Court says legal action against MI5 is ‘next step’ in vindicating Arena survivors

The legal action against MI5 is the “next step” to exonerate dozens of survivors and people who lost loved ones in the Manchester Arena attack, a tribunal has been told.

More than 200 people affected by the blast have filed claims at the Inquiry Tribunal (IPT) against the Security Services, alleging that the failure to take “appropriate measures” to prevent the atrocities violated their human rights.

The investigation found that the bombing could have been prevented if MI5 had acted on key intelligence received in the months before the attack.

Following these findings, agency CEO Ken McCallum also expressed deep regret that such information had not been received.

Two information about suicide bomber Salman Abedi were assessed by the security service at the time as not related to terrorism.

But inquiry chairman Sir John Saunders said that after hearing evidence from MI5 witnesses at the hearing into the May 2017 atrocity, which killed 22 people and injured hundreds of others, he believed it did not provide an “accurate picture”.

Lawyers for victims who referred their cases to the IPT said the investigation revealed a “real possibility” that one of the intelligence sources may have obtained information that could have led to action to prevent the attack.

Pete Wetherby CC, addressing the victims, said in written submissions: “The perpetrators were not unknown people who acted spontaneously or with a simplicity that left no room for discovery.”

At a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, the tribunal in London heard arguments about the nature of the case and whether it was brought too late.

Asked about the merits of the case, Mr Wetherby said: “The rights of the plaintiffs are being protected.

“We say this should not be overlooked.

“The applicants are very interested and involved in this process.

“They were pleased that the public inquiry brought to light material, information and findings that had not previously been made available, but they view this process as the next step in (their) vindication.”

The lawyer later said that the people who filed the lawsuit are also seeking damages.

Neil Sheldon, a spokesman for the Security Service, said the investigation into the atrocity was “inquisitorial”, adding: “The obligation of all involved was to give the investigation their fullest cooperation in its search for the truth.

“As part of my full cooperation in the investigation, my client provided a self-deprecating internal review.”

The lawyer said the review included information about how two pieces of intelligence were handled.

“There was no shortage of candor,” Mr. Sheldon added.

Counsel later told the tribunal that it might be important to “have some idea of ​​where this claim is going and what it seeks to achieve”.

Mr Sheldon also stated that it was unlikely that damages would be payable in this case.

The tribunal heard that cases on behalf of more than 200 people, including survivors, people on behalf of those who died and people who suffered close to the aftermath, would be fought in three “main” cases.

The cases are Chloe Rutherford, 17, from South Shields, who died in the attack, Eva Hibbert, who suffered serious brain damage, and Lesley Callander, whose 18-year-old daughter Georgina was killed.

Lord Justice Singh and Mrs Justice Farby will hand down a written judgment at a later date.