Families of Manchester Arena bombing victims criticize MI5 for failing to prevent the 2017 attack, demanding stricter oversight after an inquiry found missed intelligence opportunities.
Families of Manchester Arena Bomb Victims Demand MI5 Accountability
Families affected by the Manchester Arena bombing have stated that MI5 failed them and must be more open to scrutiny in the future.
In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, they requested that the security service be fully included in a new law aimed at preventing cover-ups in public life.
The inquiry revealed that MI5 assessed two separate intelligence reports about bomber Salman Abedi as not linked to terrorist activity at that time.
Details of the Attack and Legal Outcomes
Salman Abedi carried out the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017, killing 22 people by detonating a homemade explosive hidden in a rucksack at an Ariana Grande concert.
His brother, Hashem Abedi, was later found guilty of assisting in planning the attack. In August 2020, he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 55 years, the longest sentence ever given in the UK.
The inquiry chair, Sir John Saunders, stated that after hearing evidence from security service witnesses, he did not believe MI5’s assessment accurately reflected the situation.
Compensation for Victims
In December, a judge ordered nearly £20 million in compensation for children injured in the blast. At a hearing at Manchester Civil Courts of Justice, payouts totaling £19,928,150 were agreed for 16 victims, all under 16 at the time. Individual awards ranged from £11.4 million to £2,770.
Some of the young victims suffered devastating, life-altering injuries, while others experienced lasting psychological trauma after witnessing the aftermath of the attack.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Manchester Arena bombing |
| Date | May 2017 |
| Casualties | 22 dead, hundreds injured |
| Bomber | Salman Abedi |
| Sentence for Hashem Abedi | Life with a minimum of 55 years |
| Compensation Amount | £19,928,150 |
| Number of Victims | 16 children |
