VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Public Inquiries: Criminal Investigation

Asked by Helen MaguireLiberal DemocratHome OfficeTabled Answered 27 April 2026UIN 126055

The 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.

Answered by Jess Phillips

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).

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim