Theresa May condemned for failing to pay full cost of Manchester terror attack
Twenty-two people were killed by the blast during a concert by pop star Ariana Grande in May, while hundreds were injured or severely traumatised by the attack
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Your support makes all the difference.Theresa May has been accused of leaving the people of Manchester to pick up the bill for the terror attack after her reimbursement offer fell £5m short of what is needed.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the Prime Minister’s offer of £12m to cover the costs of the bombing at the Manchester Arena was “not good enough” and claimed the actual cost to public services was more than £17m.
Only £3m of the promised funding has been made available immediately, with a further £1m through the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, a Government spokesperson said.
Some 22 people were killed by the devastating blast that went off during a concert by pop star Ariana Grande in May, while hundreds were injured or severely traumatised by the attack.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Burnham said: “Here we are, six months on from the attack, at the end of Budget week, and we still don’t have an answer.
“The reason that matters is we are left with the bill. That will mean we have to cut public services to cover those costs. It’s not acceptable for us to be left in this position.
“Having received this letter today I need to send a message straight back to the Government on behalf of Greater Manchester to say, while we appreciate the letter, it’s not good enough and we expect these costs to be paid.”
The Prime Minister’s muted offer to Manchester was at odds with the Government’s coverage in full of the costs incurred due to the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, he claimed.
“It was said to us at the time, whatever we need will be there,” Mr Burnham said. “It was said to many of us at the time, and I think we can expect those words to be honoured.
“It is not the case that we can just be paid the majority, or what the Government considers to be reasonable. We are not trying it on here – we are not sending in a bill that is inflated in any way. These are the costs.”
Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said the decision was “completely unacceptable” and urged the Government to explain their decision.
She said: “I met with the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police only today and he impressed upon me the pressure his officers are facing due to increasing demand and falling budgets.
“The Government need to stop dragging their feet and give Greater Manchester Police the resources they need.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring the victims of this terrible attack and Greater Manchester have all possible support.
“We have given strong assurance Manchester will receive £12m. That includes £3m being paid now and a further £1m being made available to support the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
“This is an ongoing process and the Government stands by its commitment to provide all necessary further assistance.”
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