Birmingham pub bombings: PM on calls for a public inquiry

Next month will mark the 50th memorial of the Birmingham pub bombings, which saw 21 people killed and more than 200 injured.

Two bombs went off in the city centre, at the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs, resulting in one of the worst single losses of life during the Troubles.

Five decades on from that night, 21st November 1974, no-one has been criminally convicted for the attacks.

We asked the Prime Minister whether he will grant a public inquiry into the bombings, something relatives of the victims continue to campaign for.

PM: "They have not had the justice they deserve"

Sir Kier Starmer said: "Our first thoughts are of course with the victims, this has been a long time now. A long time now in which they've suffered so much, and not had the justice that they deserve.

"I have huge sympathy for the families of those killed and injured, and those bereaved as a result of what happened in Birmingham, and more widely as a result of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

"A decision on whether or not to hold an inquiry obviously must be made following careful consideration of a range of factors specific to the case."

Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine was among the 21 people killed in the Birmingham pub bombings, leads the Justice4the21 campaign group.

The group have been calling for a public inquiry since the conclusion of inquests, which were held in 2019.

Ms Hambleton said: "We're fighting and still waiting for a decision on a statutory public inquiry. That's what the Hillsborough families had.

"They can give these public inquiries to all these other families, quite rightly, these families have every right to a public inquiry. But where's ours?"

The Crown Prosecution Service decided last year that no criminal charges would be brought over the pub bombings due to "insufficient evidence".

Prosecutors said they could not positively identify who planted the bombs.

The chief constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, has said any "fresh evidence" would be investigated.

If your favourite music icons are the Spice Girls and your favourite Ks are Kylie and the Kardashians, you need heat Radio in your life! heat Radio is portable, so you can listen to us on the move. Simply download our app from your phone’s app store, listen online at heatradio.com and at heatworld.com. We’re on all the smart speakers too, just say “play heat Radio".

• Birmingham Pub Bombings
• Birmingham