Deadliest terror attack on mainland Britain last century
The Birmingham Pub Bombings were the deadliest terrorist attack on mainland Britain in the 20th century: 21 lives lost, more than 220 injured.
And, following today’s announcement by the Government, still no public inquiry.
On November 21, 1974, two bombs, set by the Provisional IRA, exploded in Birmingham city centre – one at the Mulberry Bush pub beneath the Rotunda, the other at the Tavern in the Town on New Street.
The trauma still runs deep.
Birmingham Six wrongly convicted
Six Irish men – later known as the Birmingham Six – were wrongly convicted and imprisoned for 16 years before their convictions were quashed in 1991.
No-one else has ever been charged. No full account has ever been made public. No closure has ever been given to the families.
For over five decades, the families – led by the Justice4The21 campaign – have fought for a public inquiry. They’ve asked for truth, accountability and justice. They’ve endured grief, neglect and delay. They’ve never given up.
The Government’s recent decision to deny a public inquiry, despite years of campaigning and a previous commitment to consider it, has been met with outrage.
Families outraged
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery would be the preferred route.
But families say this falls short. They want a judge-led, independent process with full powers to compel evidence and uncover the truth.
Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine was killed in the blasts, called the decision “patronising” and “disgraceful.” She said it felt like the Government was “spitting on the graves” of their loved ones.
Sir Andy Street voices his anger
Sir Andy Street, reacting on social media, said: “Incredibly disappointing news that the Government has decided there will be no public inquiry into the Birmingham Pub Bombings. No truth, no accountability, no justice, no closure.
“That isn’t fair or right for the families nor the city of Birmingham. But we mustn’t give up.
“The case for a public inquiry remains clear, and I will continue to support the families however I can.
“Having got the last Government to consider the case for an inquiry, it’s wrong this Government has tried to shut the door.
“The families and our city deserve better.”
The disinfecting sunlight of a public inquiry
Well said, Sir Andy.
This is not just about history. It’s about justice. It’s about Birmingham. It’s about the 21 lives lost and the hundreds more forever changed.
Unless and until the whole truth is exposed to the disinfecting sunlight of a judge-led public inquiry, we can never move on.
