During a debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 9 July, Liam Byrne, Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, called for a statutory, judge-led public inquiry into the IRA bombings which targeted two pubs the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town.
Byrne said that no statutory inquiry has ever been launched into what happened and no one from the state has ever been held accountable for the failings of the investigation, the imprisonment of the innocent or the denial of justice to the families.
Suspects of the bombings known as the Birmingham Six, were arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment, but were released in 1991 after their convictions were quashed.
Unsolved mass murder
Byrne said: “Today, it is still the largest, worst, unsolved mass murder in our nation’s history. To this day, not one person—not one—has been brought to justice for this atrocity. That is why I rise today to call for a statutory, judge-led public inquiry into the Birmingham pub bombings under section 1 of the Inquiries Act 2005.”
He praised the work of the families, who since 2012, have fought for truth and justice.
“They have formed the group Justice for the 21, led by Julie and Brian Hambleton, whose sister was killed that night. Together they have done what so many others have failed to do: they have had the courage and the will to keep the flame of truth alive,” he said.
His call was backed by other MPs in the house.
Laurence Turner, Labour MP for Birmingham Northfield, raised concern that after 51 years, “memories are fading.”
Action needed
“Documentary evidence, some of which may not be secured in the Department or the National Archives, is at risk of destruction, and the chance of bringing those still living who bear responsibility for this atrocity to some measure of accountability is fading. We may not be out of time, but time is running out. Does he agree that action is needed now?” he said.
Sarah Edwards, Labour MP for Tamworth, said an inquiry was “absolutely crucial” while Jim McAllister, Traditional Unionist Voice Party MP for North Antrim, agreed that the “devastating terrorist act” should have a public inquiry.
Minister for security, Dan Jarvis, said he believed the Birmingham Pub Bombings would be eligible for an investigation by the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, which is already investigating the Guildford pub bombings.
“The option for families to refer their case to the commission is available now. I encourage any victim, survivor or family member affected by the troubles to give consideration to the commission in their search for answers,” he said.
