'We just want the truth!' Sister of Birmingham pub bombing victim accuses Labour of 'two-tier justice' after its refusal to launch inquiry into 1974 attack

Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine was killed in the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings, has accused the Labour government of "two-tier justice" following its refusal to launch a public inquiry into the attack. The bombings at the Mulberry Bush and The Tavern in the Town on November 21, 1974, killed 21 people and injured 220, making it one of Britain's deadliest acts of terrorism. While the Birmingham Six were wrongly convicted, no one has ever been held accountable for the atrocity. Security Minister Dan Jarvis confirmed the Home Office would not commit to an inquiry, stating a belief in the effectiveness of the current Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. Hambleton criticized this commission as lacking independence, comparing it to the government "marking its own homework" and calling it a "complete and utter scam." She argued that families are being ignored and treated with contempt, and that the Home Office's refusal is indicative of political comfort and secrecy over truth. The victims' families have reportedly been told that official records on the case do not exist, yet they are now being directed to a commission that is expected to share files. Hambleton insisted that all the families want is the truth, not money or apologies, and stated that a public inquiry is the only way to compel witnesses and ensure accountability. While Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn offered to reform the commission to ensure families are heard, Hambleton remains unconvinced, viewing the commission as a whitewash that gives the government control over the n... download the app to read more