List of public inquiries in the United Kingdom

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In the United Kingdom, the term public inquiry refers to either statutory or non-statutory inquiries that have been established either previously by the Monarch or by government ministers of the United Kingdom, Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh governments to investigate either specific, controversial events or policy proposals. Non-statutory public inquiries are often used in order to investigate controversial events of national concern, the advantage being that they are more flexible than the statutory inquiry as they do not need to follow the requirements of the Inquiries Act 2005, The Inquiry Rules 2006 (UK, excluding Scotland) and The Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007.[1] Statutory inquiries can be held as subject-specific public inquiries, however most are now held under the Inquiries Act 2005 which repealed the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921.[2] This list excludes Public Local Inquiries (which encompasses Planning Inquiries, Compulsory Purchase Order Inquiries, Listed Building Inquiries etc.)

Only United Kingdom government ministers can establish public inquiries, set their terms of reference, and appoint the chair.[3] The UK Government considers that the main purpose of public inquiries is in “preventing recurrence”.[4] Between 1990 and 2017 UK governments spent at least £630m on public inquiries,[4] with most expensive being the Bloody Sunday Inquiry costing £210.6 million.[4][5] Most public inquiries take about two years to complete their work.[4] The Hammond Inquiry into ministerial conduct relating to the Hinduja affair in 2001 has been the shortest inquiry, taking just 45 days to report its findings.[4] The Inquiry into Hyponatraemia-related Deaths in Northern Ireland is the longest, which took 13 years and three months to conclude.[4]

Types of public inquiry[edit]

There are two types of public inquiry, the statutory inquiry and the non-statutory inquiry. Statutory public inquiries are led by a panel of professional people with a chairperson, which are often judges,[4] or a lord, professor, senior civil servant, scientist, doctor or engineer.[4][6] The big difference between the two types of public inquiries is that the non-statutory inquiry cannot compel witnesses to either give evidence under oath or to produce evidence relevant to the inquiry.[7]

There are four types of non-statutory inquiries:[8]

  • Non-statutory 'ad-hoc' inquiries, including independent panels,[8]
  • Royal commissions,[8]
  • Committees of privy counsellors,[8] and
  • Departmental inquiries.[8]

Public inquiries in the UK have historically been widely used, especially royal commissions.[9] Royal commissions were used so that the monarch could obtain advice and inquire into matters and misconduct outside of institutions, such as parliament.[9] The first royal commission goes back to William the Conqueror in the 11th century, when he nominated an inquiry to produce the Domesday Book of land ownership.[9] Royal commissions were later appointed by governments to obtain expert advice on subjects such as health, education, labour reform, public administration, welfare and factory legislation.[9]

Subject-specific public inquiries[edit]

Subject-specific public inquiries are sections held within other acts of Parliament which also have the powers of statutory public inquiries, these include;[10]

Suggested Layout of a Planning Inspectorate Inquiry room

Public local inquiries[edit]

A public local inquiry is an inquiry led by the independent Planning Inspectorate, for various local issues involving a local planning authority.[11] They follow formal rules and procedures, and they could include a planning application which has been refused permission, in which case it is called a Planning Inquiry, or an appeal against a compulsory purchase order, which are called a Compulsory Purchase Order Inquiry,[12][13] or listed building consent appeals, which are called a Listed Building Inquiry.[14] These types of inquiries may last for up to several days, or even weeks.[15] Inquiries are usually held in local planning authority offices, village halls or community centres.[15] One example of a Public Local Inquiry was the inquiry into the M4 Corridor around Newport Project in Wales, which followed The Highways (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1994 and The Compulsory Purchase (Inquiries Procedure) (Wales) Rules 2010.[16] This list excludes public local inquiries due to the numerous inquiries involved.

The rules for public local inquiries throughout the United Kingdom[edit]

  • The Drought Orders (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1984
  • The Highways (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1994
  • The Public Libraries (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1992
  • The Road Humps (Secretary of State) (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1986

The rules for public local inquiries in England and Wales[edit]

  • The Town and Country Planning (Inquiries Procedure) (England) Rules 2000
  • The Rights of Way (Hearings and Inquiries Procedure) (England) Rules 2007
  • The Electricity Generating Stations and Overhead Lines (Inquiries Procedure) (England and Wales) Rules 2007
  • The Transport and Works (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 2004
  • The Pipe-lines (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1995
  • The Town and Country Planning (Inquiries Procedure) (Wales) Rules 2003
  • The Compulsory Purchase (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 2007
  • The Compulsory Purchase (Inquiries Procedure) (Wales) Rules 2010
  • The Electricity (Offshore Generating Stations) (Inquiries Procedure) (Wales) Regulations 2019

The rules for public local inquiries in Scotland[edit]

  • The Town and Country Planning (Inquiries Procedure) (Scotland) Rules 1997
  • The Compulsory Purchase by Public Authorities (Inquiries Procedure) (Scotland) Rules 1998
  • The Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry Procedure (Scotland) Rules 1977
  • The Transport and Works (Scotland) Act 2007 (Inquiries and Hearings Procedure) Rules 2007

The rules for public local inquiries in Northern Ireland[edit]

  • The Health and Safety Inquiries (Procedure) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1980
  • Planning (Inquiry Procedure) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2015
  • The Agricultural Marketing (Public Inquiry) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1984

Statutory public inquiries[edit]

Public inquiries under the Inquiries Act 2005[edit]

Current public inquiries[edit]

Inquiry name[8] Administration/
department 		Chaired by Announcement date Website Reason for inquiry and general notes
Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry Scottish Government Lady Smith 17/12/2014 childabuseinquiry.scot To investigate the abuse of children in care in Scotland.[17]
Undercover Policing Inquiry Home Office Sir John Mitting 12/03/2015 ucpi.org.uk To investigate undercover policing and to provide recommendations for the future[18]
Grenfell Tower Inquiry Office of Prime Minister Sir Martin Moore-Bick 15/06/2017 grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk To establish the facts of what happened at Grenfell Tower to prevent it happening again.[19]
Infected Blood Inquiry Cabinet Office Sir Brian Langstaff 03/11/2017 infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk To investigate the circumstances in which men, women and children treated by National Health Services in the United Kingdom were given infected blood and infected blood products, in particular since 1970.[20]
Brook House Inquiry Home Office Kate Eves 05/11/2019 brookhouseinquiry.org.uk To investigate the mistreatment of individuals who were detained at Brook House Immigration Removal Centre in 2017[21]
Sheku Bayoh Inquiry Scottish Government Lord Bracadale 12/11/2019 shekubayohinquiry.scot To investigate the events surrounding the death of Sheku Bayoh, the subsequent investigation and whether race was a factor[22]
Scottish Hospitals Inquiry Scottish Government Lord Brodie 03/08/2020 hospitalsinquiry.scot To investigate the construction of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus, Glasgow, and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Edinburgh.[23]
Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry Northern Ireland Executive Tom Kark KC 08/09/2020 mahinquiry.org.uk To investigate the issue of abuse of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital and to determine why the abuse happened and the range of circumstances that allowed it to happen.[24]
UK Covid-19 Inquiry Office of Prime Minister Baroness Hallett 12/05/2021 covid19.public-inquiry.uk The inquiry is set to "examine the UK's response to and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and learn lessons for the future".[25][26]
Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry BEIS Sir Wyn Williams 19/05/2021 postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk To gather a clear account of the implementation and failings of the Horizon IT system at the Post Office over its lifetime.[27]
Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry Scottish Government Lady Poole 24/08/2021 covid19inquiry.scot The investigate the Covid-19 pandemic in Scotland and establish the facts about the devolved response to the Covid-19 pandemic.[28]
Dawn Sturgess Inquiry Home Office Lord Hughes of Ombersley 18/11/2021 dawnsturgess.independent-inquiry.uk To investigate the circumstances of the death of Dawn Sturgess in the 2018 Wiltshire Novichok poisonings[29]
Lampard Inquiry,
previously known as the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry (EMHII) 		Department of Health and Social Care Baroness Kate Lampard 01/11/2023 (Lampard Inquiry)
04/02/2022 (EMHII). 		lampardinquiry.org.uk/
previously emhii.org.uk 		To investigate the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2020. It was announced on 28 June 2023 that the Inquiry would be granted statutory status under the Inquiries Act 2005.[30] The inquiry was re-launched as the Lampard Inquiry on 1 November 2023. Previously it had been a non-statutory 'ad-hoc' public inquiry.
Omagh Bombing Inquiry Northern Ireland Office Lord Turnbull 09/02/2023 omagh.independent-inquiry.uk/ To investigate whether the Omagh bombing could have been prevented by the UK state authorities. [31][32] Given the sensitive nature of the materials involved, the Inquiry Chairman may choose to hold some proceedings privately and publish public and closed reports. [31][32]
Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan Ministry of Defence Charles Haddon-Cave 22/03/2023 iia.independent-inquiry.uk/ To investigate the "deliberate detention operations" conducted by the British armed forces in Afghanistan between the period of mid-2010 to mid-2013.[33] To determine whether any of the circumstances around any unlawful killings were covered up at any stage.[34]
Thirlwall Inquiry Department of Health and Social Care Lady Kathryn Thirlwall 30/08/2023 thirlwall.public-inquiry.uk/ To examine the events at Countess of Chester Hospital and their implications following the conviction of Lucy Letby of murder and attempted murder of babies at the hospital. [35] The inquiry will not review the jury's verdicts and will make no findings regarding civil proceedings. [36]
Eljamel Inquiry Scottish Government Lord Weir 07/09/2023 To be announced To examine a number of failings at NHS Tayside, which found that concerns about Professor Sam Eljamel were not acted upon with the urgency they deserved.[8]
Death of Jalal Uddin Inquiry Home Office Thomas Teague 00/11/2023 To be announced To determine how, when and where Mr Uddin died.[8]
Emma Caldwell Inquiry Scottish Government To be announced 07/03/2024 To be announced To review the investigation of Emma Caldwell's murder including to understand what went wrong, to ensure lessons are learned for the future and to provide answers to the victims and survivors involved. [37] The inquiry will be statutory and will be judge-led though more details will be published once legal proceedings have concluded. [37]

Former public inquiries[edit]

Inquiry name[8] Administration Chaired by Start date Report date Final report Reason for inquiry
The Billy Wright Inquiry UK Government Lord Ranald McLean 23/11/2005 14/09/2010 PDF To investigate whether the state facilitated, or attempted to facilitate, Billy Wright's death, whether acts or omissions by the state were “intentional or negligent”, and “to make recommendations”.
The Robert Hamill Inquiry UK Government Sir Edwin Jowitt 16/11/2004 29/01/2010 Web
(Unpublished)[38] 		To investigate into the death of Robert Hamill with a view to determining whether any wrongful act or omission by or within the Royal Ulster Constabulary facilitated his death or obstructed the investigation of it, or whether attempts were made to do so.
Public Inquiry into the E.coli O157 outbreak in South Wales Welsh Government Professor Hugh Pennington 13/03/2006 19/03/2009 PDF "The circumstances that led to the outbreak of E.coli O157 infection in South Wales in September 2005, and into the handling of the outbreak; and to consider the implications for the future and make recommendations accordingly"[39]
The ICL Inquiry UK and Scottish Governments Lord Gill 21/11/2008 16/07/2009 PDF To investigate into the explosion that occurred on 11 May 2004 at the ICL plastics factory, Maryhill, Glasgow.
Inquiry into the circumstances of the Death of Bernard (Sonny) Lodge UK Government Barbara Stow 23/02/2009 15/12/2009 PDF To investigate the circumstances of the death of Bernard (Sonny) Lodge
Baha Mousa Inquiry UK Government Sir William Gage 14/05/2008 08/09/2011 Web To investigate the circumstances of the death of Baha Mousa
Fingerprint Inquiry Scottish Government Sir Anthony Campbell 14/03/2008 14/12/2011 PDF "The steps taken to verify the fingerprints associated with the case of the Lord Advocate v Shirley McKie in 1999, and related matters"[40]
The Penrose Inquiry Scottish Government Lord Penrose 23/04/2008 26/03/2015 PDF To investigate hepatitis C and HIV infections from NHS Scotland treatment caused by contaminated blood or blood products.[41]
Public Inquiry into the Outbreak of Clostridium Difficile in Northern Trust Hospitals Northern Ireland Executive Dame Deirdre Hine 14/10/2008 21/03/2011 Web To investigate the outbreak of Clostridium difficile in five hospitals of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust that took place in 2007/8.
Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry (clostridium difficile) Scottish Government Lord Ranald McLean 22/04/2009 24/11/2014 PDF To investigate the occurrence of Clostridium difficile infection at the Vale of Leven Hospital
Al-Sweady Inquiry UK Government Sir Thayne Forbes 25/11/2009 17/12/2014 Web To investigate allegations of unlawful killing and ill treatment of Iraqi nationals by British troops in Iraq in 2004.
Azelle Rodney Inquiry UK Government Sir Christopher Holland 10/06/2010 05/07/2013 Web To investigate the circumstances of the death of Azelle Rodney.
Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry.[a] UK Government Sir Robert Francis 09/06/2010 06/02/2013 Web To investigate into the serious failings at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.
The Leveson Inquiry UK Government Sir Brian Leveson 13/07/2011 29/11/2012 Web An inquiry "into the culture, practices and ethics of the press"[42] in light of the issues surrounding the News International phone hacking scandal
The Litvinenko Inquiry UK Government Sir Robert Owen 22/07/2014 21/01/2016 PDF To investigate into the death of Alexander Litvinenko.
The Anthony Grainger Inquiry UK Government Thomas Teague 17/03/2016 12/07/2019 PDF To investigate the circumstances of the death of Anthony Grainger.
Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry Northern Ireland Executive Sir Patrick Coghlin 24/01/2017 13/03/2020 Web To investigate the development and performance of the Northern Ireland Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (the NI RHI scheme).
The Jermaine Baker Public Inquiry Home Office Clement Goldstone 12/02/2020 05/07/2022 PDF To investigate the death of Jermaine Baker in 2015.
Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse Home Office Alexis Jay 04/02/2015 20/10/2022 PDF To investigate serious concerns that some organisations had failed and were continuing to fail to protect children from sexual abuse.[43]
Manchester Arena Inquiry Home Office Sir John Saunders 22/10/2019 08/06/2023 Web To investigate the deaths of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.[44] The inquiry followed the Kerslake Report which was chaired by Lord Bob Kerslake and was published on 27 March 2018. The Report was "an independent review into the preparedness for, and emergency response to, the Manchester Arena attack on 22nd May 2017."[45]
Edinburgh Tram Inquiry Scottish Government Lord Hardie 05/06/2014 19/09/2023 PDF To investigate why the Edinburgh Tram project incurred delays, cost more than originally budgeted and through reductions in scope delivered significantly less than projected.[46]

Public inquiries under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921[edit]

Inquiry name[47] Members of Tribunal Year Reason for inquiry and final report where available
Destruction of Documents by Ministry of Munitions Officials Lord Cave, Lord Inchcape, Sir William Pender 1921 To inquire into allegations that certain officials, including a highly ranked one, at the Ministry of Munitions had ordered the destruction of documents in order to prevent inspection by auditors[48]
Royal Commission on Lunacy and Mental Disorder Lord Macmillan 1924 Report
Arrest Of Major Sheppard (Public Inquiry)[49] John Rawlinson 1925 A public inquiry into the arrest of Major R.C. Sheppard
Kilmarnock Police Inquiry[50] William Lyon Mackenzie 1925 Allegations made against the Chief Constable of Kilmarnock
Doncaster Drainage Commission Sir Horace Cecil Monro 1926-28 Inquiry into the conditions with regard to mining and drainage in an area around the County Borough of Doncaster
Charges against the Chief Constable of St Helens by the Watch Committee
aka The St. Helens Tribunal of Inquiry[51] 		C Parry, Thomas Hollis Walker 1928 To investigate the complaint that has arisen between the Watch Committee of St. Helens and the Chief Constable of the Borough Police Force touching the administration of the Force.
Savidge Inquiry[52] Sir John Eldon Bankes, Hastings Lees-Smith, John Withers 1928 Tribunal inquiry into the interrogation Miss Irene Savidge by the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard
Glasgow Inquiry[53] Lord Anderson, Sir R Boothby, J Hunter 1933 Allegations of bribery and corruption in connection with the letting and allocation of stances and other premises under the control of the Corporation of Glasgow
Budget Leak Tribunal[54] Sir J Porter, J Simonds, R Oliver 1936 Inquiry into the unauthorised disclosure of information relating to the Budget
Tribunal of Inquiry into the loss of H.M. Submarine Thetis Sir Alfred Townsend Bucknill 1939 Final report
The conduct before the Hereford Juvenile Court Justices of the proceedings against Craddock and others Lord Goddard 1943 To investigate the conduct before the Hereford Juvenile Court Justices of the proceedings against Craddock and others
Newcastle upon Tyne Inquiry Roland Burrows 1944 To investigate the administration of Newcastle-upon-Tyne Fire, Police and Civil Defence Services
Lynskey Tribunal[54] Sir J Lynskey, Russell Vick, Gerald Upjohn 1948 Bribery of Ministers of the Crown or other public servants in connection with the grant of licences, etc.
Bank Rate Tribunal[54] Lord Parker, Sir Milner Holland, G. de P. Veale 1957 Allegations of the improper disclosure of information relating to the raising of bank rate
Waters Tribunal[54] Lord Sorn, Sir James Robertson 1959 Allegations that John Waters was assaulted by police officers on 7 December 1957, at Thurso and the action taken by the Caithness Police in connection therewith
Vassall Tribunal[54] Lord Radcliffe, Sir John Barry, Sir Milner Holland 1962 The circumstances in which offences under the Official Secrets Act were committed by John Vassall
Aberfan Disaster Tribunal Lord Edmund-Davies 1967 Circumstances relating to the Aberfan disaster Final report
The events on Sunday 30 January 1972 which led to the loss of life in connection with the procession in Derry that day (Widgery Tribunal)[b] Lord Widgery 1972 The first Bloody Sunday inquiry into the shootings on Bloody Sunday. Summary of the Widgery Report
The circumstances leading to the cessation of trading by the Vehicle and General Insurance Company Limited Sir A James, M Kerr, S Templeman 1971 Inquiry into the collapse of the Vehicle and General Insurance Company
Crown Agents Tribunal Sir David Croom-Johnson 1982 To investigate the conduct of the Crown Agents for Overseas Governments and Administrations between 1967 and 1974.
The second Cullen Inquiry into the Shootings at Dunblane Primary School Lord Cullen 30 September 1996 To investigate into the incident at Dunblane Primary School on Wednesday 13 March 1996, which resulted in the deaths of 18 people. Final report
Bloody Sunday Inquiry (Saville Inquiry)[b] Lord Saville 2000-2010 The second Bloody Sunday inquiry into the shootings on Bloody Sunday. To investigate 'the events of Sunday, 30 January 1972 which led to loss of life in connection with the procession in Londonderry on that day, taking account of any new information relevant to events on that day'. The Saville Report
The Shipman Inquiry Dame Janet Smith 2000-2005 An investigation into the issues surrounding the case of mass murderer Harold Shipman. Final report

Public inquiries under subject-specific legislation[edit]

Inquiry name[55] Act of Parliament Chaired by Start date End date Final report Reason for inquiry
Tay Bridge Disaster Public Inquiry Regulation of Railways Act 1871 (34 & 35 Vict. c. 78), s. 7 Henry Cadogan Rothery 31 December 1879[56] 30 June 1880[56] PDF The fall of the Tay bridge on 28 December 1879. An express train was lost as the bridge fell, killing 75 people.
Lane Inquiry Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations 1969 Mr Justice Lane 20 November 1972 14 April 1973 PDF Investigation into the causes and circumstances of the accident near Staines on 18 June 1972
The Sizewell B Inquiry
(Layfield Inquiry) 		Electric Lighting Act 1909 (9 Edw. 7. c. 34), s. 2 and the Electricity Generating Stations and Overhead Lines (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1981 (SI 1981/1841) Sir Frank Layfield 11 January 1983 13 January 1987 Not available A proposal by the Central Electricity Generating Board to construct a pressurized water reactor nuclear power station at Sizewell, Suffolk.[57]
King's Cross Underground Fire Inquiry Regulation of Railways Act 1871 (34 & 35 Vict. c. 78), s. 7 Desmond Fennell February 1988 June 1988 Web To investigate the circumstances into the King's Cross Underground fire.
Clapham Junction Railway Accident inquiry Regulation of Railways Act 1871 (34 & 35 Vict. c. 78), s. 7 Anthony Hidden December 1988 November 1989 PDF To investigate the circumstances into the Clapham Junction rail crash.
The first Cullen Report into the Piper Alpha Disaster Offshore Installations (Public Inquiries) Regulations 1974 (SI 1974/338) Lord Cullen November 1988 November 1990 Vol 1,
Vol 2 		The inquiry into the Piper Alpha disaster of 6 July 1988
Investigation into the flotation of Mirror Group Newspapers plc. Companies Act 1985 (c. 6), s. 432(2) and s. 442 Sir Roger Thomas, Raymond Turner June 1992 March 2001 Not available To investigate the affairs of Mirror Group Newspapers
The Allitt Inquiry National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49), s. 2 Sir Cecil Clothier May 1993 February 1994 Not available The circumstances surrounding the murder by Beverly Allitt of four children and the injuring of nine others in the children's ward of Grantham and Kesteven general hospital in 1991.
Ashworth Special Hospital Inquiry National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49), s. 84 Peter Fallon February 1997 January 1999 PDF To investigate the functioning of the Personality Disorder Unit at Ashworth Hospital
Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Police Act 1996 (c. 16), s. 49 William MacPherson July 1997 February 1999 PDF Matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence on 22 April 1993 to date
Southall Rail Accident Inquiry Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (c. 37), s. 14(2)(b) Professor John Uff February 1998 February 2000 PDF Why the Southall rail accident happened, and in particular to ascertain the cause or causes
Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49), s. 84 Professor Sir Ian Kennedy October 1998 July 2001 Web To investigate into children's heart surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary between 1984 and 1995.
Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital Inquiry National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49), s. 2 Michael Redfern February 2000 January 2001 PDF To inquire into the circumstances leading to the removal, retention and disposal of human tissue, including organs and body parts, from children at the Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust
MV Derbyshire Inquiry Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c. 21), s. 269 Justice Colman April 2000 November 2000 Web Cause of the sinking of the Derbyshire in September 1980
The third Cullen Report into Ladbroke Grove rail crash (Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry) Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (c. 37) Lord Cullen May 2000 September 2001 Part 1
Part 2 		To investigate the crash at Ladbroke Grove Junction on 5 October 1999 between trains operated by Thames Trains and First Great Western, which caused considerable loss of life and injuries.
The Southall and Ladbroke Grove Joint Inquiry into Train Protection Systems etc. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (c. 37), s. 14(2)(b) Lord Cullen and Professor John Uff September 2000 March 2001 Not available Investigate questions relating to train protection systems due to the Southall Rail Accident Inquiry and the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry. To consider the train protection and warning systems; future application of Automatic Train Protection Systems and SPAD prevention measures.
Marchioness Inquiry Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c. 21), s. 268 Lord Justice Clarke October 2000 March 2001 Web To investigate the collision between aggregates dredger Bowbelle and passenger vessel Marchioness resulting in Marchioness sinking with loss of 51 lives
Victoria Climbié Inquiry Children Act 1989 (c. 41), s. 81,
Police Act 1996 (c. 16), s. 49,
National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49), s. 84. 		Lord Laming May 2001 January 2003 PDF To investigate the death of Victoria Climbié
"The Three Inquiries" (Ayling, Neale, Kerr/Haslam). National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49), s. 84 Anna Pauffley, Suzan Matthews and Nigel Pleming April 2003 July 2004 PDF To assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of the procedures operated in the local health services
FV Gaul Inquiry Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c. 21), s. 269 Mr Justice David Steel January 2004 December 2004 PDF To investigate an underwater survey of the wreck of the FV Gaul and report on its findings.
The Rosemary Nelson Inquiry Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (c. 32), s. 44 Sir Michael Morland November 2004 May 2011 PDF To investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of Rosemary Nelson in 1999.
FV Trident Inquiry Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c. 21), s. 269 and the Merchant Shipping (Formal Investigations) Rules 1985 (SI 1985/1001) Sir Stephen Young October 2009 February 2011 PDF Why the Trident fishing vessel sank with the loss of seven lives in 1974.
Office of the Children's Commissioner's Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Gangs and Groups Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 3 Sue Berelowitz November 2011 November 2013 PDF To investigate the growing concern that thousands of children in England were victims of child sexual exploitation perpetrated by gangs and groups and were not being 
identified and protected
Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 2 (N.I.)) Sir Anthony Hart May 2012 June 2017 Web To examine if there were systemic failings in Northern Ireland by institutions or the state in their duties towards those children in their care between the years of 1922-1995.

Non-statutory public inquiries[edit]

'Ad-hoc' public inquiries[edit]

Current 'ad-hoc' public inquiries[edit]

Inquiry name Administration/department Chaired by Announcement date Website Reason for inquiry
Fuller Independent Inquiry Department of Health and Social Care Sir Jonathan Michael 8 November 2021 fuller.independent-inquiry.uk To investigate the issues raised by the David Fuller case. How Fuller was able to carry out inappropriate and unlawful actions in the mortuary of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and why they went apparently unnoticed.
Angiolini Inquiry UK Government Lady Elish Angiolini KC 22 November 2021 angiolini.independent-inquiry.uk To investigate how Wayne Couzens, an off-duty Metropolitan police officer, was able to abduct, rape and murder Sarah Everard.

The inquiry published the first part of the reports on Thursday 29 February 2024.[58] PDF

Former 'ad-hoc' public inquiries[edit]

Inquiry name[7][59] Chaired by Date Final report Reason for inquiry
Inquiry into the State of Education in Wales 1847 James Kay-Shuttleworth 1847 Web The alleged poor state of education in Wales and the lack of education through the medium of English
Lord Denning's Report into the Profumo Affair[60] Lord Denning 1963 Not available To investigate the circumstances leading to the resignation of the former Secretary of State for War, Mr J D Profumo.
Maze Prison Escape Sir James Hennessy 1984 Web To conduct an Inquiry into the security arrangements at HM Prison Maze, relative to the escape on Sunday 25 September 1983 and to make relevant recommendations for the improvement of security at HM Prison, Maze.
Hillsborough Stadium Disaster Inquiry Lord Taylor 1989-90 PDF To inquire into the events at Sheffield Wednesday Football Ground on 15 April 1989 and to make recommendations about the needs of crowd control and safety at sports events."
Inquiry into the Supervision of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International Lord Bingham 1992 PDF To enquire into the supervision of BCCI under the Bank Acts; and to consider whether the action taken by all the UK authorities was appropriate and timely.
Inquiry into the Export of Defence Equipment and Dual-Use Goods to Iraq and Related Prosecutions
aka Scott Inquiry 		Lord Scott 1996 Web To investigate the export from the United Kingdom of defence equipment and dual use goods to Iraq between December 1984 and August 1990
E-coli Outbreak (Scotland) Prof Hugh Pennington 1997 Web To examine the circumstances which led to the outbreak in the central belt of Scotland and to advise on the implications for food safety and the general lessons to be learned.
Sierra Leone Arms Investigation Sir Thomas Legg / Sir Robin Ibbs 1998 PDF To conduct an investigation in the light of recent allegations about Government involvement with the supply of arms to Sierra Leone by UK citizens or firms with a view to establishing what was known by government officials (including military personnel) and Ministers about plans to supply arms to Sierra Leone after 8 October 1997; whether any official encouragement or approval was given to such plans or such supply; and, if so, on what authority.
The BSE Inquiry Lord Phillips 2000 Web To investigate the emergence of BSE and new variant CJD in the United Kingdom, and government responses to these diseases up to March 1996.[61]
Marchioness/Bowbelle Formal Investigation Lord Clarke 2000-01 Web To investigate the procedures followed to establish the identity of the victims of the collision between the Bowbelle and the Marchioness.
Circumstances Surrounding an Application for Naturalisation by Mr S P Hinduja in 1998 Sir Anthony Hammond 2001 PDF To establish what approaches were made to the Home Office in 1998 in connection with the possibility of an application for naturalisation by Mr S P Hinduja, and the full circumstances surrounding such approaches and the later grant of that application
Foot and Mouth Disease 2007: A Review and Lessons Learned Dr Ian Anderson 2002 PDF To investigate whether the lessons of the 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak had been learned and whether there might be new lessons and further recommendations.
Equitable Life Inquiry Lord Penrose 2004 PDF To enquire into the circumstances leading to the current situation of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, taking account of relevant life market background and to identify any lessons to be learnt for the conduct, administration and regulation of life assurance business.
Holyrood Inquiry Lord Fraser 15 Sept 2004 PDF To review the policy decisions in relation to the Holyrood Project taken prior to its transfer to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body on 1 June 1999 and subsequently.
Hutton Inquiry Lord Hutton 2004 PDF Investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr David Kelly
Inquiry into Hyponatraemia-related Deaths John O’Hara 2019 Web To investigate the care and treatment of Adam Strain, Lucy Crawford and Raychel Ferguson, with particular reference to the management of fluid balance and the choice and administration of intravenous fluids in each case.
The Bichard Inquiry Sir Michael Bichard 2004 PDF To enquire into child protection procedures in Humberside Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary in the light of the recent trial and conviction of Ian Huntley for the murder of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells.
The Deepcut Review Nicholas Blake 2006 PDF To investigate deaths at Deepcut army barracks
The Zahid Mubarek Inquiry Sir Brian Keith 2006 PDF to investigate and report to the Home Secretary on the murder of Zahid Mubarek, and the events leading up to the attack on him
The Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Inquiry.[a] Robert Francis 2010 Vol 1
Vol 2 		To give those most affected by poor care at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust an opportunity to tell their stories and to ensure that the lessons to be learned from those experiences 2005 to 2009.
Redfern Inquiry Michael Redern 2010 Web Inquiry into human tissue analysis in UK nuclear facilities
The Morecambe Bay Investigation Bill Kirkup 2015 PDF To investigate the management, delivery and outcomes of care provided by the maternity and neonatal services at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust from January 2004 to June 2013
The Harris Review Lord Harris 2015 PDF Report of the Independent Review into Self-inflicted Deaths in Custody of 18-24 year olds
Independent Review of deaths and serious incidents in police custody Elish Angiolini 2017 PDF Independent review of deaths and serious incidents in police custody
Paterson Inquiry Graham James 2020 PDF Report of the Independent Inquiry into the issues raised by Ian Paterson

Independent panels[edit]

Current independent panels[edit]

Inquiry name[7] Chaired by Date started Website Reason for inquiry
Independent Review Panel for CAA personnel licensing and certification decisions Nick Denton September 2021 gov.uk/independent-panel-caa-personnel-licensing The investigate certain personnel licensing and certification decisions made by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Former independent panels[edit]

Inquiry name[7] Chaired by Date closed Final report Reason for inquiry
Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody Robert Fulton December 2007 PDF To review the role and functions of the Forum for Preventing Deaths in Custody and to recommend how these might be strengthened.
Independent Panel on Forestry James Jones July 2012 PDF To advise the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England and to advise on the role of the Forestry Commission in implementing policy on forestry and woodland in relation to England.
Hillsborough Independent Panel James Jones September 2012 PDF Including to oversee full public disclosure of relevant government and local information within the limited constraints set out in the accompanying protocol and consult with the Hillsborough families to ensure that the views of those most affected by the tragedy are taken into account.
Gosport Independent Panel James Jones June 2018 PDF Concerns about the care of older patients in Gosport War Memorial Hospital have been the subject of scrutiny since 1998. Families of those who died have persistently sought a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of their relatives and into the care they received prior to death.
Daniel Morgan Independent Panel Baroness O'Loan June 2021 PDF To investigate the circumstances of Daniel Morgan's murder, its background and the handling of the case over the whole period since March 1987.
Independent Review of Administrative Law
(The IRAL Panel) 		Lord Faulks January 2021 PDF Investigate whether procedural reforms to judicial review are necessary, in general to ‘streamline the process’.
Independent Panel on Ring-fencing and Proprietary Trading Keith Skeoch March 2022 PDF To examine any unintended consequences of the ringfencing regime and areas that may require further clarification.

Royal commissions[edit]

Main article: Royal commissions in the United Kingdom

The last royal commission was established during the Blair government in 1999, when he established the Royal Commission on the Reform of the House of Lords.[62]

Ad hoc committees of privy counsellors[edit]

See also: Privy Council of the United Kingdom

Ad hoc committees are made up of members of the Privy Council as they can be informed on 'Privy Council Terms', which allows members of the committees to be informed on the understanding that any secret information provided will remain confidential.[63]

Inquiry name[7] Chair Date appointed Date of report Final report Reason for inquiry
Falkland Islands Review
aka The Franks Inquiry 		Lord Franks 6 July 1982 January 1983 PDF To review the period leading up to the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands on 2 April 1982
Review of Intelligence on Weapons of Mass Destruction
aka The Butler Inquiry 		Lord Butler 3 February 2004 14 July 2004 PDF The intelligence services in the runup to military intervention in Iraq
The Iraq Inquiry
aka The Chilcot Inquiry 		Sir John Chilcot 30 July 2009 6 July 2016 Web To identify the lessons to be learnt from the Iraq conflict[64]
Detainee Inquiry
aka The Gibson Inquiry 		Sir Peter Gibson 18 January 2012 December 2013 PDF To consider whether the UK security services were complicit in torture of detainees.

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ a b There have been two public inquiries regarding the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, in 2010 (a non-statutory 'ad-hoc' public inquiry) and 2013 (a statutory public inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005) with the same chair
  2. ^ a b There have been two public inquiries under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921 regarding Bloody Sunday, in 1972 (the Widgery Report) and 2010 (the Saville Report)

References[edit]

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External links[edit]

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