Closing Statement on behalf of Non-Police, Non-State Core Participants in the Undercover Policing Inquiry published today

22 February 2023

Lily Lewis

Lily Lewis from our Inquests and Public Inquiries team is instructed in the Undercover Policing Inquiry on behalf of the Non-Police, Non-State Core Participants (NPSCPs) by Lydia Dagostino of Kellys Solicitors. Lily is led by Kirsten Heaven of Garden Court Chambers.

The submissions invite the Inquiry to find that the Metropolitan Police, through the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), established undercover policing practices in the Tranche 1 era (1968 to 1982) that were unlawful, unjustified, and anti-democratic. These practices went unchallenged for over forty years.

“The facts under investigation by this Public Inquiry are a national scandal. The devastation caused by what occurred during the T1 era (and beyond) must not be underestimated. Lives have been destroyed, identities have been stolen, individuals have faced a lifetime of unemployment and poverty, those seeking justice, including against the actions of the state, have been undermined and the legal system has been damaged. There have undoubtedly been numerous miscarriages of justice. Public trust in policing has been broken. The damage continues; thousands of individuals have had their most private activities reported on and their data stolen by the state.”

Read the full statement here.

Watch the UCPI closing statements including Kirsten Heaven who gave an oral closing submission on behalf of the NPSCPs.

Chambers news

Chambers news

Court of Appeal gives mothers permission to appeal High Court decision on two-child limit ‘rape clause’

The Court of Appeal has granted permission to appeal a High Court decision on the exceptions to the 'two-child limit' in universal credit.

Chambers news

A Duty of Candour, Duty to Assist, and Legal Funding for Bereaved Families: Hillsborough Law to be presented in Parliament

Nearly nine years after it was first read in Parliament, the Government is today presenting a Bill fit to be called a ‘Hillsborough Law'.

Chambers news

Southport Inquiry impact hearings begin

Garden Court North's Pete Weatherby KC and Christian Weaver represent the three adult survivors and Prestfield High School, respectively.

Chambers news

Rosalind Burgin and Misha Nayak-Oliver secure settlement for family of four to remain in home

The possession proceedings brought against a family of four concluded at a hearing on Tuesday (26 August) at Liverpool County Court.

Sign up to our mailing list

Our mailing list is dedicated to professionals with an interest in our work.

Sign up