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Written question asked by Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. It was answered by Jess Phillips (Labour) on Monday, 27 April 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.


Public Inquiries: Criminal Investigation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of whether current frameworks provide sufficient clarity on the referral of evidence from public inquiries to prosecuting authorities.

Answer

Public inquiries operate independently of criminal proceedings.

Findings of an inquiry do not constitute criminal findings, but they can inform subsequent police investigations.

Inquiries have processes whereby information indicating potential criminal conduct can be shared directly with the police or other relevant authorities, such as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
126055
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Criminal investigation Public inquiries
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk