Last week, in a closed hearing, applications were made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department and Counter Terrorism Police that certain pieces of evidence should not be disclosed due to National Security.  Today the Coroner has provided his ruling in which he upheld those applications.

The bereaved families we represent want the maximum transparency in this process.  As those most affected by the atrocity, they are well aware of the needs of national security.  Nevertheless, 'public interest immunity' applications to prevent unknown volumes of evidence from being disclosed to the families, their lawyers or the media, must not be allowed to stop the truth coming out, in particular where there are known failures by MI5 and Counter Terrorism Police, which may have contributed to the loss of life.

The Coroner has given a provisional indication that the inquests cannot now meet the statutory requirements nor those of Article 2 - the right to life, because of the material withheld.  In those circumstances, MI5 and CTP are likely to get their wish that the process will become a Public Inquiry at which much evidence will be heard behind closed doors and without the presence or participation of the bereaved or their lawyers or the scrutiny of the media.  Open justice and the rule of law protects us all.  Candour and transparency are the friends of justice and accountability, and they help prevent future such outrages.  Closed hearings, secret justice, may do the opposite.