Corbyn calls for inquiry into 1974 pub bombings
Labour leader backs mayor and victims’ families 45 years on
LABOUR leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for an independent inquiry into the Birmingham pub bombings.
Speaking to the Birmingham Post as he launched his manifesto in the city on the 45th anniversary of the IRA attack, he said: “There has to be an independent inquiry into this”.
West Midlands Police say a ‘live’ investigation is still under way into the November 21, 1974 bombings which killed 21 and injured more than 200.
But the families of the victims are demanding an independent inquiry to get to the truth of what happened.
Mr Corbyn said it should not be left to West Midlands Police to investigate the bombings, because questions have been raised about the force’s conduct.
“The inquiries should first of all not be done by the police that are being inquired into,” he said.
“Another force should be investigating the issue. It should not be West Midlands Police, it should be somebody else.
“Secondly, I think they are quite right that there has to be an independent inquiry into this because the question of the release of records is something that has come up time and time again.”
He added: “So yes I do support their demand. And also today I say to them, ‘we’re with you, we understand the horror and the pain you are going through’. And I think, in their memory, let’s make sure that we keep the Good Friday Agreement intact.”
He said nothing should be done to put peace in Northern Ireland at risk. Labour has argued that the Conservative approach to Brexit threatens the Good Friday agreement.
Mr Corbyn came under fire from relatives of victims of the pub bombings, angry that he had picked the anniversary of the mass murder to launch the manifesto in Birmingham. But after his statement a spokesman for campaigners Justice4the21 said: “This could be a real game changer for us but we want to see politicians of all parties deliver on what they say because we have had years of empty words and promises”
West Midlands mayor Andy Street also called for a public inquiry into the pub bombings.
Speaking at a memorial service last week, he said: “Our city remains wounded by what happened on that fateful night.
“I know that’s still the case as since I’ve been Mayor I have joined the families on this day every year, and each year the sadness and anger grows that justice has still not yet been served.
“I remember well, as a youngster in Birmingham in 1974, that my mum was called into work that evening at East Birmingham Hospital.
“And over the following months there were community tensions and a feeling of unease, sadness and horror that
this could possibly have happened here. Those who lost their lives were all younger than I am now. With so much to look forward to, their dreams and aspirations were snatched away in an instant.
“Forty-five years on, and this remains the largest unsolved murder in the United Kingdom’s recent history.
“As far as we know, the perpetrators of this heinous crime are left free to live their lives. The 21 killed when the bombs went off at the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town are not. Nothing we say or do can bring those innocent victims back, but we can still try to achieve justice for their families, and for a city that has many unanswered questions.
“Of course we had the coroner’s inquest earlier this year which was unable to provide answers as to who the perpetrators were – despite ruling that the 21 were killed unlawfully.
“An active police investigation remains open. But we face another anniversary where we are still without closure for the families, a situation I have discussed with the last three Home Secretaries.
“Against that background I have now come to the conclusion that the time is right for a panel-led, open public inquiry into the pub bombings.
“I am determined that, after the General Election, I will resume the conversation with whoever becomes the Home Secretary. I have already explained this to Priti Patel.”