Patel to look into calls for pub bombings inquiry 46 years on
THE Home Secretary has agreed to look into calls for a public inquiry into the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings, after a meeting with West Midlands mayor Andy Street.
In a move welcomed by campaigners who lost loved ones in the twin attacks, Priti Patel said she would take into account their views and official advice before making any decision.
In April 2019, an inquest jury found a botched IRA warning call led to the deaths of 21 people unlawfully killed in the atrocity on November 21, 1974.
Two bombs planted in the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs also injured up to 220 other victims.
Conservative mayor Mr Street, a supporter of the Justice for the 21 Campaign, said he had met with Ms Patel to discuss the campaign, and how 46 years on the case remains the largest unsolved murder in recent British history.
“Whilst this is not a firm commitment, it is a step towards
securing a public inquiry and ultimately justice for the 21 murdered that night and their families,” he said.
“I want to thank the Home Secretary for taking the meeting to discuss this grave injustice, and for then agreeing to look into the case for a public inquiry.
“I am firmly of the belief that the only way to achieve justice now is through an open, panelled, public inquiry, and I will continue to make the case alongside the Justice for the 21 campaign. The families, and the city of Birmingham, need closure.”
As well as agreeing to look into the case, the Home Secretary also welcomed the opportunity to meet victims’ families.
Julie Hambleton, who lost her sister Maxine in the pub bombings and is a member of Justice for the 21, said: “We welcome this opportunity to discuss the need for a statutory inquiry into the Birmingham pub bombings with the Home Secretary.”
Thanking Mr Street for his intervention on the families’ behalf, Ms Hambleton added: “We believe that a public inquiry is the only mechanism of investigation to establish truth, justice and accountability for those murdered in the pub bombings.”
Mr Street first called for a public inquiry into the bombings on the 45th anniversary last November. Ms Hambleton said the inquest had “left more questions than answers”.