19 January 2022
The Terms of Reference for the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry
As we await the publication of the terms of reference for the UK wide Covid-19 Inquiry, in this blog I consider the key features of the recently published terms of reference for the Scottish Inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic.
13 January 2022
The Covid-19 Inquiry – the importance of the terms of reference
Any day now the Covid-19 Inquiry will publish draft terms of reference. This will be a significant event. Once agreed, the terms of reference will determine the scope and length of the inquiry which is due to begin its work in the Spring. In turn this will have a direct impact on how valuable the inquiry turns out to be.
16 December 2021
The right to equality in fertility treatment
A same-sex couple have commenced a significant test case against a branch of the NHS fertility sector for discrimination against them on grounds of their sexuality.
15 December 2021
Court considers that intransigent public inquiry witnesses will often give evidence once they have been compelled to attend
In a 16 November 2021 blog, I described how refusing to give evidence to a public inquiry might play out. Another new case, Chairman of the Manchester Arena Inquiry v Romdhan [2021] EWHC 3274 (Admin), reinforces my view. Potential witnesses in next year’s coronavirus (Covid-19) inquiry take note.
4 October 2021
Essential Planning for the COVID Inquiry
Given a judge-led inquiry into how the Scottish Government handled the COVID pandemic will start before the end of this year, many are anxiously awaiting news of the Government’s promised UK- wide public inquiry.
Back in May 2021, No 10 committed to that inquiry starting in Spring 2022. Yet months on, details are scant. Who will Chair it? What are its terms of reference? Yes, there may be six months to go, but vital questions remain before any inquiry of this national significance and stature begins.
