Arena survivors won't have a role in inquiry after being refused 'core participant' status

A ruling by Sir John Saunders, Chairman of the Manchester Arena Inquiry, has stated that the survivors won't be given core participant status in the forthcoming probe.

Core participant status means that survivors are able to make opening and closing statements at the hearing, ask questions - which witnesses cannot - see evidence relating to them that is held by the inquiry, as well as be given access to draft reports before the findings are publicly published.  

Sir John said: "The attack has had a terrible and lasting impact on them, as it has for so many others.

"The injuries, trauma and personal tragedy that the survivors have suffered cannot be overstated and I fully appreciate that this application is borne of the desire of the survivors to ensure that the reasons for the attack are fully understood, the adequacy of the emergency response is examined, and that lessons are learned."

Although he ruled that they would not be core participants, he said that "their voice is an important one, and it will be heard."

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi, aged 22, detonated a rucksack bomb in a foyer area of the Arena after an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017 - killing 22 people and injuring hundreds more, including Royton mums Lisa Lees and Alison Howe.

In March his brother Hashem Abedi, also 22, was found guilty of murdering 22 people following a trial at the Old Bailey. He was also found guilty of one count of attempted murder, relating to those injured, as well as conspiring to cause explosions.

Sir John added that he wants to hear evidence from survivors during the inquiry so encourages them to still actively take part.

"I intend to call survivors who can give relevant evidence as witnesses during the Inquiry," he said.

"As they were at the scene, they may have critical evidence to provide.

"The Inquiry will ensure they are able to provide it.

"Having suffered such serious injuries, the survivors will want answers as to why the attack happened, whether it could have been prevented, and what lessons can be learned.

"In announcing the establishment of the Inquiry, the Home Secretary expressed her hope that the bereaved families and the survivors will get the answers they need.

"That is a hope that I share.

"To help achieve it, the survivors will be able to raise any concerns with my legal team and identify lines of inquiry that they would wish to have pursued.

"The Inquiry will ensure that straightforward mechanisms are in place to allow survivors to communicate with my team." 

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