Manchester Arena bombing: MI5 ‘profoundly sorry’ after inquiry rules terror attack might have been prevented

The Manchester Arena bombing “might have been prevented” if MI5 had acted on “significant” information about suicide bomber Salman Abedi, an inquiry has found.

The 2017 terror attack saw the live performance venue in the city centre targeted following a concert by pop star Ariana Grande. Twenty-two people died in the bombing, while hundreds of others were injured.

Inquiry chairman Sir John Saunders has now said that MI5 failed to act on two pieces of evidence about Abedi, 22, prior to the attack which were incorrectly assessed to not be related to terrorism. One officer gave evidence during the inquiry in which he said that he did have concerns that one piece of intelligence about Abedi could be classed as a national security concern, but that he did not share his concerns with colleagues straight away and a report was not written on the same day.

The chairman added that Abedi had landed at Manchester Airport from Libya four days before the attack took place. He said that had MI5 investigated and gathered intelligence correctly, there was a chance that he could have been stopped at the airport or followed to where he stored the explosive used in the attack.

MI5 has apologised for not preventing the attack by accurately gathering intelligence on Abedi. Ken McCallum, director-general of the security agency, added that in doing so “those impacted might not have experienced such appalling loss and trauma”.

What did the inquiry find?

As the inquiry drew to a close, Saunders said: “The delay in providing the report led to the missing of an opportunity to take a potentially important investigative action. Based on everything the Security Service knew or should have known, I am satisfied that such an investigative action would have been a proportionate and justified step to take.

“This should have happened. Although I accept that Salman Abedi demonstrated some security consciousness and that this might have affected the efficacy of the investigative action that I have identified, there was the real possibility that it would have produced actionable intelligence.”

However, he added: “While I have been critical of some of the ways that the Security Service and Counter Terrorism Policing dealt with the information that they had or could have had in this case, I also recognise the very difficult job they have to do and I acknowledge their success in uncovering a large number of plots against people in this country.

“I will make a number of closed recommendations to try and ensure that improvements are made in the way that the Security Service and Counter Terrorism Policing deal with intelligence that they get.”

In his conclusions, Saunders added that he was “especially grateful” to the bereaved families for their participation and support during the inquiry. He said: “It is impossible to imagine how difficult it must have been for them to listen to some of the evidence that we have heard.”

What did bereaved families say about the inquriy findings?

Slater and Gordon laywer Richard Scorer, who represented 11 of the families at the inquiry, said: “Today’s report has been deeply painful to read, but also eye-opening. But it is now very clear that there was a failure to properly assess key intelligence about Salman Abedi; a failure to put it into proper context, and – most catastrophic of all – a delay in acting on it.

“As a result of these failures, at the very least, a real possibility of preventing this attack was lost. This is a devastating conclusion for us. The failures exposed in this report are unacceptable.”

Caroline Curry, the mother of teenager Liam Curry who died in the attack, said: “From top to bottom, MI5 to the associates of the attacker, we will always believe you all played a part in the murder of our children. In this volume of the report, the chair has recognised that there were significant missed opportunities by MI5.

“They also identified a lack of information-sharing between the police and security services. We hope lessons really will be learnt this time.”

Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, 29, who also died in the terror attack, added that she was not surprised by the findings. She added: “I for one accept apologies because at the end of the day, I’m not excusing anybody making mistakes don’t get me wrong, but these people are human beings and I’m sure nobody made any mistakes deliberately. Yes, it is difficult to hear things could have been different, but you know what, we can’t turn the clock back.

“Martyn was such a people-loving person – he was full of life. He loved life. He was so full of fun and joy. I would do a disservice to his very nature if I became a bitter and angry person – I don’t do anger and bitterness.”

How has MI5 responded?

In a statement, MI5 director-general Ken McCallum said: “The terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena was a terrible tragedy. The bomber killed 22 innocent people and harmed many others. My thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed, and with all those whose lives were changed by this appalling act of terrorism.

“Having examined all the evidence, the chair of the Inquiry has found that ‘there was a realistic possibility that actionable intelligence could have been obtained which might have led to actions preventing the attack.’ I deeply regret that such intelligence was not obtained.

“Gathering covert intelligence is difficult – but had we managed to seize the slim chance we had, those impacted might not have experienced such appalling loss and trauma. I am profoundly sorry that MI5 did not prevent the attack.

“The people of MI5 and our policing partners come to work every day to stop terrorism. We continually work to improve the counter-terrorism system; since the terrible events of 2017 we have made more than 100 improvements. But we are determined to do more.”

As the Inquiry chair considered his recommendations, McCallum said they would engage with them fully. “Where there are opportunities to strengthen the UK’s defences further, MI5 will act.

“We will continue to do everything in our power to keep our country safe from hidden threats. MI5 exists to stop atrocities. To all those whose lives were forever changed on that awful night: I am so sorry that MI5 did not prevent the attack at the Manchester Arena.”

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has said that she will work to implement changes in the MI5 needed to avoid a similar situation in the future. She said: “Over the past three years, the Manchester Arena Inquiry has carefully analysed critical evidence to ensure vital lessons are learned. I am grateful to Sir John Saunders and his team for their thorough and considered approach.

“I am committed to working with MI5, policing and partners to study the recommendations. Together we will do everything possible to prevent a repeat of this horrifying attack.”