Anna Morris KC and Pete Weatherby KC give evidence to Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights
20 July 2023
Anna Morris KC and Pete Weatherby KC from our Inquests and Public Inquiries team have given evidence to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights about Hillsborough Law, the Duty of Candour and legal aid funding (equality of arms) for all families in inquests where the state is involved .
The session, held in the Palace of Westminster yesterday afternoon, heard how a Duty of Candour could reduce length and cost of major inquiries, increase public safety and prevent future deaths and about the importance of equality of arms at inquests for the prevention of future deaths and the identification of systemic failings within public bodies.
In response to a question from Joanna Cherry MP, Anna explains the importance of legal representation for bereaved families at inquests in relation to the prevention of future deaths and the identification of systemic failings within public bodies.
Anna and Pete explain how a Duty of Candour could reduce length and cost of major public inquiries, increase public safety and prevent future deaths.
Responding to an important question from Joanna Cherry, Pete Weatherby KC explains to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights how the “backstop” of a criminal offence attached to serious non-disclosure would help enforce a Duty of Candour.
Earlier in the session the Committee heard from Elkan Abrahamson of Broudie Jackson Canter and Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.
