What is the Manston Inquiry investigating?
The Inquiry will investigate and report on the decisions, actions and circumstances which led to the conditions encountered by those detained at the Manston Short-Term Holding Facility between 1 June 2022 and 22 November 2022.
Who is the Chair of the Inquiry?
Sophie Cartwright KC is the Chair of the Manston Inquiry. Sophie sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court and as an Assistant Coroner. Sophie is a Master of the Bench at Inner Temple. Sophie specialises in public inquiries, inquests, public law, regulatory and disciplinary proceedings. Sophie previously acted as Counsel to the Manchester Arena Inquiry, the Anthony Grainger Inquiry and the Jalal Uddin Inquiry.
What is a non-statutory inquiry?
Non-statutory inquiries are set-up to investigate matters of public concern. They are independent from government in the same way that statutory inquiries are, however, non-statutory inquiries are not established under the Inquiries Act 2005 or bound by The Inquiry Rules 2006.
Are Inquiry hearings open to the public?
Yes, the public are welcome to attend hearings or can follow remotely via the Inquiry’s livestream on YouTube which will be subject to a 3-minute delay. All hearings will be announced on the Inquiry website. Public attendees can register their intention to attend hearings in person by emailing info@manston.independent-inquiry.uk. There will be a small public gallery for viewing and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. A number of spaces will also be reserved for the media. Media should register their attendance by emailing media-MII@manston.independent-inquiry.uk.
When will the Inquiry report?
Once the Inquiry’s substantive hearings have concluded the Chair will turn her attention to writing the Inquiry report. The final report will set out findings of fact and make any necessary recommendations to the Home Secretary.