The Manchester Arena bombing inquiry is over, but the fight for lasting change isn't
It took three years and cost the public purse £32m. The Manchester Arena Inquiry finally came to a close on Wednesday, but instead of back-slapping and congratulations for a job well done, there was palpable frustration and fear that this vast and expensive effort may, in some respects, have been in vain.
Evidence from the Police Chief's Council - that training for police officers to treat catastrophic bleeding would not start until April 2024 - drew more exasperation from the families, although GMP insists all its frontline cops attend a two-day training course which included how to use a tourniquet.
The first of three inquiry reports, published in June 2021 by Sir John, found 'serious shortcomings' by the venue's owners SMG, their security contractor Showsec and British Transport Police . Sir John ruled the terrorist should have been identified that night and, had he been, 'the loss of life and injury is highly likely to have been less', a conclusion that angered families of those who died.
In March, Sir John's final report found the security services missed opportunities to stop the bombing, prompting MI5 to apologise. "For everything we went through the trial and the inquiry, it's got to have been worth it. It's not just a case of 'do we think it's been worth it?'. It has to be worth it. Something has to come out of this that's lasting and has impact.
But Figen is now devoting her attention to introducing Martyn's Law - which will oblige larger venues to have plans in place for terror incidents.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Incredible moment Manchester bee lands on Roger Waters halting AO Arena showExtraordinary moment Manchester bee lands on Roger Waters halting AO Arena show
Read more »
The 'Lost Castle' playpark that families go wild for just off the M6It has been hailed a 'real hidden gem' with its 'amazing play area for kids'
Read more »
Ukraine: Northern Ireland to receive £2m to help home refugeesThe funding aims to help Ukrainian families move into their own homes in the rental sector.
Read more »
Ukraine: Northern Ireland to receive £2m to help home refugeesThe £2m funding is aimed at helping Ukrainian families in Northern Ireland move into their own homes and gain employment
Read more »
Met Office maps show when Greater Manchester can expect lightning todayGusts, hail, and thunderstorms are expected to batter the region throughout the weekend
Read more »
Parklife 2023 LIVE: Thousands head to Heaton Park for Manchester festivalThere is a stella lineup for Saturday's Parklife as the music festival gets underway
Read more »