Today's leading stories include the second anniversary of the Manchester Arena terror attack and further coverage of Jonathan Hall QC being appointed to the role of Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.
Manchester Arena terror attacks
There is widespread coverage of the second anniversary of the Manchester Arena terror attacks, with the Mail and Metro carrying suggestions from the father of one victim that MI5 and the Government are to blame for the attack.
Andrew Roussos, whose daughter Saffie was the youngest victim of the attack, said that warning signs were ignored after suicide bomber Salman Abedi searched on YouTube for instructions on how to create a bomb and made a brief visit to Libya. Mr Roussos also called for an urgent start to inquests into the deaths.
Jonathan Hall QC appointed as terror watchdog
The Times carries an interview with Jonathan Hall QC, who this week took up the role of Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.
The paper reports that Mr Hall fills the position after the post was vacant for six months following the departure of Max Hill QC.
In the interview Mr Hall addresses the issue of British jihadists returning to the UK. He says that we need a “clear offence” on returning jihadists and that he will work with the police and Crown Prosecution Service on investigating and prosecuting them.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said:
I am pleased to announce that Jonathan Hall QC has been appointed as Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.
With the threat from terrorism continuing to evolve and diversify, it is vital we have robust oversight to ensure our counter-terrorism laws are fair, necessary and proportionate. Mr Hall brings a wealth of experience and legal expertise to help deliver this.