Public Inquiries & Inquests

Members and door tenants of Atkin Chambers have served as chairs of, and counsel to, a number of public inquiries, and as counsel representing participating parties.

For more information on the below or to discuss potential appointments, please contact David Barnes or Justin Wilson.

2019 | Zac Cox Inquiry Qatar

In 2019 the Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, responsible for overseeing World Cup preparations in Qatar, appointed Sir Robert Akenhead to conduct an independent investigation into the death in 2017 of British man Zac Cox while working on the 2022 World Cup stadium construction site.

From 2018 | The Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry

Stephanie Barwise KC, Omar EljadiDalton Hale and Marie-Claire O’Kane are representing one of two groups of bereaved and survivors in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Copies of Stephanie’s submissions to the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry at the Second Procedural Hearing on 21 March 2018 are available here.

Details of the Phase 1 report overview re: non-compliance with Building Regulations is available here.

The proceedings are available to view here.

2009 | Lakanal House Coroner Inquest

Former Technology and Construction Court judge Her Honour Frances Kirkham MBE acted as the coroner for the 2013, 10-week inquest onto the deaths of three women and three young children in a fire at Lakanal House in Camberwell, south London, on 3 July 2009.

Details of the Lakanal House Coroner Inquest can be found here.

2009 | Al-Sweady inquiry

In 2009, a public inquiry was called to investigate allegations relating to the unlawful killing and mistreatment of Iraqi detainees by British soldiers at UK bases in 2004, following a firefight known as the Battle of Danny Boy.

Former High Court judge Sir Thayne Forbes, who conducted the trial of serial killer Harold Shipman whilst Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit, was asked to investigate and report on allegations against British soldiers of unlawful killing at Camp Abu Naji on 14 and 15 May 2004, and ill-treatment of five Iraqis between 14 May and 23 September 2004.

Jonathan Acton Davis KC was appointed as Lead Counsel to the inquiry.

Details of the Inquiry are available here.

2009 | Trinidad & Tobago

Andrew Goddard KC acted for a state-owned enterprise in a long-running public inquiry into public procurement policies and practices in the construction sector in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009.

The Enquiry resulted in several applications to the High Court for Judicial Review of the proceedings including a landmark decision on the law pertaining to privilege and led to significant changes in practice being recommended by the Commission of Enquiry.

See: Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago v Uff et al TT[2009] HC 100.

2001 | Cullen inquiry (Ladbroke Grove rail crash)

Stephanie Barwise KC appeared for the manufacturer of both trains and the signal in the 2001 Cullen Inquiry into the collision between a Thames Train turbo commuter train and a First Great Western High Speed Train at Ladbroke Grove in 1999, in which 31 people died.

Details of the Inquiry are available here.