Appeal bid to release classified 1975 IRA file rejected, say lawyers

The bomb-blasted remnants of the Mulberry Bush pub in Birmingham, after an IRA bomb detonated at the bar. Picture: Archive/PA

Lawyers acting for loved ones of the IRA Birmingham pub bombings’ victims say they have lost an appeal for full access to a classified file on the political reaction to the terrorist group’s UK activities in 1975.

Two bombs planted in the city’s Mulberry Bush and Tavern In The Town pubs exploded on November 21 1974, killing 21 people and injuring up to 220 more.