The Inquiry will continue to operate in-person hearings during the national lockdown in England which began on 5 November. The Chairman opened Monday’s hearings with a clear message that, as the inquiry is about learning lessons for national security and safety, he was keen to maintain progress providing it was safe to do so.
The Inquiry is now in its ninth week of hearings and the team has taken steps to ensure that this important legal process can continue to run in a safe environment, minimising risk wherever possible and implementing public health measures.
We continue to operate in Covid-secure venues, with limited attendance, and have robust procedures in place to minimise risks as far as possible to the families, core participants, staff, media and all those who attend our hearings.
Attendance has been limited to essential personnel from the outset. The Inquiry continues to make use of live streaming and video technology to ensure that those choosing not to attend can follow proceedings remotely. Public wishing to follow the proceedings can do so via Youtube.