John Saunders: Latest News

direct to your inboxThe independent public inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing atrocity has been put on hold over the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.The inquiry was due to resume on Tuesday next week after the Christmas break.But it was confirmed today that chairman Sir John Saunders has decided to 'pause' proceeding until January 18 at the earliest.The use of virtual hearings and limited attendance at Manchester magistrates court, where the inquiry is sitting, will be considered in the interim.A statement from the inquiry was released today.It said: "In light of this week's announcements on further lockdowns and restrictions Sir John Saunders, chairman of the Manchester Arena inquiry, has had to consider the impact on the inquiry’s

LONDON - Britain's domestic intelligence agency didn't act swiftly enough on key information and missed a significant opportunity to prevent the suicide bombing that killed 22 people at a 2017 Ariana Grande concert in northwest England, an inquiry found Thursday.Retired judge John Saunders, who led the inquiry into the Manchester Arena attack, said that one MI5 officer admitted they considered intelligence about suicide bomber Salman Abedi to be a possible national security concern but didn't discuss it with colleagues quickly enough."I have found a significant missed opportunity to take action that might have prevented the attack," Saunders said.In a rare televised statement, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum, who normally keeps a low public profile, said he was "profoundly sorry that MI5 did not prevent the attack.""Gathering covert intelligence is difficult, but had we managed to seize the slim chance we had, those impacted might not have experienced such appalling loss and trauma," McCallum said.Abedi, 22, set off a knapsack bomb in the arena’s foyer at the end of the May 22, 2017 concert, as thousands of young fans, including many children, were leaving the pop star’s show. More than 100 people were injured.

The Fire Brigades Union has submitted a legal application to play a key role in the public inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing atrocity.

Survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing have legally applied to play a key role in the public inquiry into the atrocity.

The public inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing has been delayed due to coronavirus.