Public Inquiries

Debate between Lord Kennedy of Southwark and Lord Carter of Haslemere

Monday 14th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Carter of Haslemere (CB)]

My Lords—

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, we will hear from the Cross Benches next.

[Lord Carter of Haslemere (CB)]

My Lords, given that statutory inquiries are held when events have caused public concern, and often cost tens of millions—if not hundreds of millions—of taxpayers’ money, does the Minister agree that reasons should always be given by Ministers for rejecting inquiry recommendations, so as to ensure due openness and accountability to the public?