Northfield’s MP has written a joint letter to the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, criticising the force for issuing fixed penalty notices to a number of attendees at a Birmingham pub bombings memorial in November.
In the letter to CC Dave Thompson, Conservative MPs Gary Sambrook (Birmingham Northfield) and Nicola Richards (West Bromwich East) said the issuing of fines to six people was “deeply concerning and morally wrong” and called for the decision to be reconsidered.
At the time, the second nationwide coronavirus lockdown was in place. Plans for a gathering to remember the 21 victims of the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings were affected. Instead, a convoy of vehicles – with over 500 people – was arranged for November 21st.
One of those issued with a penalty notice was Julia Hambleton, whose sister was one of the 21 people killed in the bombings.
She told the BBC that although the group had not gathered at a mural dedicated to the 21 as requested by police, when the convoy broke up as planned outside West Midlands Police headquarters Lloyd House, a number of people did briefly exit their cars.
She said: “When we pulled up, I then used the tannoy to thank everybody for being there. We weren’t there even 15 minutes, everyone dispersed and people were wearing masks,” adding she was socially distanced.
“Because they were there I couldn’t ignore them.
“I am not paying the fine… to accept this fine would be to deny the death of our loved ones.”
Full letter
Friday 8th January 2021
Dear Dave Thompson,
RE: Fixed penalty notice issued to gathering
on the 46th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombingsThis afternoon it’s been reported by the BBC “Six people have been served with fixed penalty notices for breaching coronavirus regulations by gathering on the 46th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings last year.” occurring on the 21st November 2020.
It’s deeply concerning and morally wrong to fine the victim’s families of a terrorist attack who are campaigning for justice. While mass protests have been allowed to go unchecked through our city throughout the year. This is an inconsistent approach and from the outside incredibly bias.
If the Police had taken a consistent approach to fine people attending large gatherings we would understand but this is singling people out for no apparent reason.
We hope you and the force reconsider this policy. And take note to our outrage and dissatisfaction in how the Police have handled this.
It’s right that the police have the powers to ensure compliance with the rules to combat the pandemic however they should be used proportionately and consistently. It is clear that is not happening in the West Midlands.
