Best of the Spectator Coffee House Shots: what's the point of public inquiries?
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Jan 11, 2025 Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor at The Spectator, sheds light on the complexities of public inquiries, questioning their effectiveness in delivering justice. Raja Miah, an anti-grooming gang campaigner, passionately argues for a nationwide inquiry, citing the failures of past investigations. They explore whether these inquiries genuinely hold power accountable or merely distract from needed legislative changes. The discussion also touches on restoring public trust in institutions and the emotional toll on victims when inquiries fall short.
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Raja's Campaign
- Raja Miah has campaigned for a public inquiry into grooming gangs for six years.
- He sees the recent parliamentary vote as a victory, bringing the issue into national discourse.
Government Response to Inquiries
- Governments often resist public inquiries, viewing them as costly and time-consuming.
- They tend to declare "lessons learned" after an inquiry concludes, regardless of actual implementation.
Delayed Implementation
- The government announced measures recommended by the Harold Shipman inquiry 22 years after its conclusion.
- Public inquiries can retraumatize victims if recommendations are not implemented.