Overview
- Security minister Dan Jarvis confirmed in a written statement that there will be no statutory inquiry into the bombings that killed 21 and injured around 200 in Birmingham in 1974.
- The Government urged families to refer the case to the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, saying it can access official records, compel evidence and make arrests.
- Officials note the commission was established in May 2024 to investigate Troubles-related deaths and that its caseload includes other high-profile cases referred by families.
- Legislation introduced on 14 October proposes reforms to the legacy framework, including strengthened governance, enhanced fact‑finding powers and removal of a previously proposed immunity scheme.
- Justice4The21’s Julie Hambleton called the decision “disappointing and outrageous,” and MP Liam Byrne said he will press the matter in the Commons after asking Jarvis to meet the families.