In the United Kingdom, the term public inquiry, also known as a tribunal of 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can be held as subject-specific public inquiries, however most are now held under the Inquiries Act 2005 which repealed the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921.[2] Statutory public inquiries, unlike non-statutory inquiries, have legal powers to compel witnesses.[3] This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.[4] The UK Government considers that the main purpose of public inquiries is in “preventing recurrence”.[5] Between 1990 and 2017 UK governments spent at least £630m on public inquiries,[5] with most expensive being the Bloody Sunday Inquiry costing £210.6 million.[5][6] Most public inquiries take about two years to complete their work.[5] Of the 69 inquiries launched between 1990 and 2017, the Hammond Inquiry into ministerial conduct relating to the Hinduja affair in 2001 was the shortest, taking just 45 days to report its findings;[5] the Inquiry into Hyponatraemia-related Deaths in Northern Ireland was the longest, taking 13 years and three months.[5]
In September 2024 the House of Lords Statutory Inquiries Committee called for a change in the way public inquiries are set up and conducted.[7] In their report, Public Inquiries: Enhancing Public Trust, it called for "significant improvements to the inquiry system, to make them more efficient and effective and to avoid the costly and wasteful process of inquiries “reinventing the wheel”".[7] The report recommended:
A timescale for inquiries, to avoid unnecessary and excessive costs
A newly-created Parliamentary Public Inquiries Committee to monitor and report on the steps being taken to implement inquiry recommendations
A publicly-accessible online tracker showing how, and when, inquiry recommendations have been put in place
More inquiries could be led by an expert, or panel of experts, rather than reliance on a judge – and more consideration be given to making some of them non-statutory
The Inquiries Unit of the Cabinet Office be strengthened to ensure “best practice” is shared between inquiries, including on how best to involve victims and survivors
Lengthy public inquiries produce interim reports, and others provide regular public updates
Victims and survivors should be consulted where appropriate on an inquiry’s scope.[7]
Types of public inquiry
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, who are often judges,[5] or a lord, professor, senior civil servant, scientist, doctor or engineer.[5][8] 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.[9]
There are four types of non-statutory inquiries:[10]
Non-statutory 'ad-hoc' inquiries, including independent panels,[10]
Public inquiries in the UK have historically been widely used, especially royal commissions.[11] Royal commissions were used so that the monarch could obtain advice and inquire into matters and misconduct outside of institutions, such as parliament.[11] 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.[11] 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.[11]
Subject-specific public inquiries
Subject-specific public inquiries are sections held within other acts of Parliament which also have the powers of statutory public inquiries, these include;[12]
regulation 16(13) of the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations 1969,[12] and
schedule 1 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, which enables non-statutory inquests to be converted into statutory inquiries under the Inquiries Act 2005.[12]
Suggested Layout of a Planning Inspectorate Inquiry room
Public local inquiries
A public local inquiry is an inquiry led by the independent Planning Inspectorate, for various local issues involving a local planning authority.[13] 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,[14][15] or listed building consent appeals, which are called a Listed Building Inquiry.[16] These types of inquiries may last for up to several days, or even weeks.[17] Inquiries are usually held in local planning authority offices, village halls or community centres.[17] 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.[18]
This list excludes public local inquiries due to the numerous inquiries involved.
The rules for public local inquiries throughout the United Kingdom
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
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
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
The Health and Safety Inquiries (Procedure) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1980
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.[23]
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.[3] The inquiry was re-launched as the Lampard Inquiry on 1 November 2023. Previously it had been a non-statutory 'ad-hoc' public inquiry.
To investigate whether the Omagh bombing could have been prevented by the UK state authorities.[29][30] Given the sensitive nature of the materials involved, the Inquiry Chairman may choose to hold some proceedings privately and publish public and closed reports.[29][30]
To investigate the "deliberate detention operations" conducted by the British armed forces in Afghanistan between the period of mid-2010 to mid-2013.[31] To determine whether any of the circumstances around any unlawful killings were covered up at any stage.[32]
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.[33] The inquiry will not review the jury's verdicts and will make no findings regarding civil proceedings.[34]
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.[10]
To determine how, when and where Mr Uddin died.[10]
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.[36] The inquiry will be statutory and will be judge-led though more details will be published once legal proceedings have concluded.[36]
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”.
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.
"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"[38]
To investigate the deaths of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.[43] 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."[44]
To investigate why the Edinburgh Tram project incurred delays, cost more than originally budgeted and through reductions in scope delivered significantly less than projected.[45]
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.[46]
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[50]
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.
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
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
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 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.
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
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.
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.
To investigate the collision between aggregates dredger Bowbelle and passenger vessel Marchioness resulting in Marchioness sinking with loss of 51 lives
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
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.
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.
The Inquiry will examine, consider and report on the events of 24 November 2021 when at least 27 people died attempting to cross the Channel in a small boat.[9]
Southport public inquiry
Home Office
To be announced
20 January 2025
To be announced
To review the investigation into the 2024 Southport stabbing.[61]Home SecretaryYvette Cooper said in the House of Commons, "we are setting up an independent public inquiry. Like the Angiolini inquiry into Wayne Couzens, it will begin work on a non-statutory basis so that it can move quickly into action, but with statutory powers added later, as required. We will set out the terms of reference and appoint the chair once we have consulted the coroner".[62]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The integrated truth investigation will look into the workings of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries, and Workhouses in Northern Ireland, and the associated pathways and practices. It will involve two separate phases that will work together: a non-statutory Independent Panel (with no legal powers) and a full statutory Public Inquiry (with legal powers).
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.
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.
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.
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.[66]
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.[67]
^ abThere 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
^ abThere 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)
^"Post Office scandal ruined lives, inquiry hears". BBC News. 14 February 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022. The inquiry will look at whether the Post Office knew about faults in the IT system and will also ask how staff shouldered the blame... ...The inquiry will also examine whether staff at software firm Fujitsu, which developed the Horizon software... ...knew the system had flaws while data from it was used in court to convict sub-postmasters.
^"COVID-19 Inquiry - Terms of Reference". gov.scot. The Scottish Government. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022. The aim of this inquiry is to establish the facts of, and learn lessons from, the strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland.
