JUSTICE FOR SUMMERLAND
This campaign is the follow-on from the Apology for Summerland campaign which calls for a new inquest and to have the death by misadventure verdict overturned for the 50 victims.
The families believe this is a perverse verdict, implying that the victims were at fault, risking their lives by going into the Summerland leisure complex. At the time, no one believed they were in any way at risk in entering the building with their families and friends.
Families of victims have instructed Phoenix Law to pursue the overturn of the verdict which has been taken on by Darragh Mackin. Any family members of victims are encouraged to contact Phoenix Law.
If you would like to get involved with the campaign please see the Justice for Summerland website below for contact details.
"Given the time constraints, I am able to provide only a brief overview of the concerns in the processes that resulted in permission being granted to Summerland.
However, just from what I have said, it is clear that there were multiple failings across the board, any one of which could have been disastrous on its own; put together, it is sadly all too clear how this tragedy unfolded.
Even using the standards of the time, though, it is difficult to see how the judgment of death by misadventure, which the inquiry reached, can stand up to any kind of scrutiny."
Justin Madders MP
APOLOGY FOR SUMMERLAND
In the lead up to the 50th anniversary of the Summerland disaster, growing calls from campaigners and family members of the victims for an apology for the disaster and the overturning of the death by misadventure verdict were put to the Manx government. This was supported by Justin Madders MP who raised the issue in the House of Commons on Thursday 13th July 2023:
"The Chief Minister has also said that he will be making a formal statement about the disaster to the Isle of Man’s Parliament next week. Although we do not know what he will say in that statement, I want to use this debate to encourage the Minister to formally write on behalf of His Majesty’s Government to indicate their support for the requests made by the Apologise for Summerland campaign, which, as we have heard, are a public apology from the Isle of Man Government for the:
“disregard for basic fire safety in favour of saving money and speedy construction;
a public apology for “the pain and suffering for the last 50 years”;
and a public admission that the death by misadventure verdict was inappropriate.
I appreciate that this Parliament cannot tell another Parliament what to do, but I hope that the Minister will be able, diplomatically and sincerely, to make those requests and convey the feelings expressed by Members in the House tonight. It is clear that the conclusions of the inquiry fell short of the standards that we would expect, and fell short of providing genuine accountability. There is a need for an apology from the Isle of Man Government for their role in the disaster."
On Tuesday 18th July 2023, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan addressed Tynwald:
"I am sorry, sorry for the pain and suffering felt by everyone affected by the fire, and sorry for the failings that could have prevented such a tragedy."
"Words will not bring your loved ones back, or relieve the associated pain and heartache, but collectively we share your sorrow."