Head of Counter Terrorism Policing responds to Manchester Arena report

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Matt Jukes has responded to Volume Three of the Manchester Arena Inquiry Report. Jukes said: "I visited the Glade of Light memorial this morning. Standing there and again now, it is impossible not to think of the 22 lives lost. “These are not simply names or faces, but dearly loved and lost people, who should have lived long lives. “All of those affected by the events of the 22nd May 2017 are in my thoughts today. I want to acknowledge the courage and dignity that they have shown throughout this inquiry and in the evidence they have given." Jukes said that spending time listening to victims and survivors drives those working in policing to do their best to prevent terrorism, and bring those responsible to justice. He also said that police are determined to make sure that the findings from the report are acted on. Jukes acknowledged some of the findings of the report, saying: “I am speaking today alongside the Director General of MI5. Today’s report describes the partnership between MI5 and Counter Terrorism Policing. “This relationship is long-standing. It has seen us work side by side to overcome significant threats to the safety and security of the United Kingdom. “I am sorry that, despite our determined partnership, we did not stop the loss of life, nor the injury and trauma that happened close to here, almost six years ago." He concluded: "“I want those who have lost loved ones to know that their loss has steeled us to ensure our counter terrorism partnerships are stronger, faster and more effective. “And I pledge that alongside MI5 that we will act quickly to apply the findings published today and that we remain relentless in our work to keep the public safe.” Image: Tomasz "odder" Kozlowski, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons