Mr Major’s Statement Following Manchester Bomb – 15 June 1996

Below is the text of Mr Major’s statement on 15th June 1996 following the bomb explosion in Manchester.

PRIME MINISTER:

This was a dreadful act. I condemn utterly those responsible. My first thoughts are with the injured and their families.

This explosion looks like the work of the IRA. It is the work of a few fanatics and, as John Bruton has already made clear, causes absolute revulsion in Ireland, as it does here. This callous act of terrorism while the Queen was reviewing the colour of the Irish Guards is an insult to both nations.

Sinn Fein have been clamouring to attend the Northern Ireland peace talks which began last week. If they are really serious about wanting peace, they must condemn this act and demand an unequivocal IRA ceasefire now.

We shall spare no effort to bring those responsible to justice.