Families affected by the Manchester Arena terror attack are calling for MI5 to be fully accountable under the proposed “Hillsborough Law” to prevent cover-ups. They express concerns about MI5’s lack of transparency regarding critical intelligence on the suicide bomber responsible for the attack in 2017.
The “Hillsborough Law,” inspired by the Hillsborough disaster, aims to hold public officials accountable for truth-telling during investigations of major incidents. This law is being pushed through Parliament following revelations of false narratives and evidence suppression by police chiefs in the Hillsborough case.
Barrister Pete Weatherby KC, leading the Hillsborough Law Now campaign, criticizes the government for undermining the law’s effectiveness in addressing intelligence agency accountability. The government asserts that they are considering feedback to enhance the law while safeguarding national security.
The families of victims from the Manchester Arena bombing urge Prime Minister Keir Starmer to fulfill his promise of implementing the law in full, including security and intelligence agencies. They emphasize the need for MI5, MI6, and GCHQ to be held to the same standards of transparency as others.
Survivors like Claire Booth, sister of a victim, express frustration with MI5’s post-attack conduct, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency from intelligence agencies. They stress the importance of ensuring that security and intelligence officers are obligated to tell the truth to prevent future failures.
