Manchester Arena Survivors' Legal Case Against MI5 Blocked by Tribunal

Judges ruled the claims were filed too late, despite acknowledged intelligence failures preceding the 2017 bombing.

More than 300 survivors and bereaved families of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing sought to sue MI5, alleging failure to act on intelligence that could have prevented the attack.
The Investigatory Powers Tribunal dismissed the case, citing delays in filing the claims after the March 2023 inquiry report revealing MI5's missed opportunities.
Judges acknowledged the severe impact on victims but ruled it would not be equitable to allow the claims to proceed given the timing of the filings.
The inquiry found MI5 had overlooked critical intelligence about bomber Salman Abedi, which could have led to preventive action.
Law firms representing the claimants expressed disappointment, emphasizing the prolonged delays in uncovering MI5's failings and the ongoing fight for accountability and justice.