Covid-19: Birmingham pub bombing memorial fines 'morally wrong' say MPs
Two West Midlands MPs have called the issuing of fixed penalty notices to campaigners attending a memorial to the Birmingham pub bombings as "morally wrong”.
Julie Hambleton whose sister died in the November 1974 attack and five others were given fines for joining the motorcade through Birmingham, on November 21 last year.
Nicola Richards, MP for West Bromwich East, and Gary Sambrook, MP for Birmingham Northfield wrote to West Midlands chief constable Sir Dave Thompson on Friday.
West Midlands Police has been contacted for a response.
They said: "It is 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."
While Miss Hambleton did get out of her vehicle outside Lloyd House, she said it was only to briefly thank people and wish them well for their journeys home - and she said she remained socially distanced.
Miss Hambleton said the decision to fine her and the campaign's supporters was "crass".
She added: "It epitomises the sheer contempt for us that we feel senior management at West Midlands Police has for the victims' families."
"If I pay the fine, it would be like stamping on Maxine's memory and the memories of all those who died."
Miss Hambleton said: "The convoy was not disruptive and we worked with the police to make sure it wasn't and complied with Covid rules."
The force previously said, "following a review, the people present were found to be in breach of regulation nine of coronavirus legislation. This relates to gatherings of more than two people in a public place".