Restricted Reporting Orders
In the wake of the disclosure to non-state witnesses in Tranche 2, concerns were raised by them that disclosure of some of the material would seriously prejudice them. This was because the police material contained comments of personal nature and allegations of criminality that were said to be false but which would cause them problems in their personal lives and potentially impact on their work.
It was the Inquiry’s position that in order to meet its terms of reference it had to investigate some of the allegations and, where possible, to do it publicly. The non-state witnesses argued this would amount to a breach of their right to privacy. The mooted solution was Restricted Reporting Orders, of which a number had been made by Tranche 2 non-state witnesses.
The Restricted Reporting Orders would have two varieties:
- Allow people to be present at evidential hearings in person, but prevent certain facts if mentioned in live testimony being reported more widely than that.
- Restrict those who could be present at certain live testimony to a pre-agreed group of people.
This hearing was heard before the Inquiry Chair, Sir John Mitting, on 12 April 2024, and conducted online only. The morning session dealt with generalities and open matters, but soon went into closed session to hear the particular applications for privacy being made. There was a brief public exchange at the end with little significance, and no public rulings were handed down.
Speakers
| Counsel | Clients | Also present |
|---|---|---|
| David Barr KC | UCPI | Emma Gargitter |
| Peter Skelton KC | Metropolitan Police | Amy Mannion |
| Oliver Sanders KC | Designated Lawyers Officers | |
| Richard Whittam KC | DAC Beachcroft clients | |
| Owen Greenhall | Non-State Core Participants applicants | |
| Rajiv Menon KC | Non-State Core Participants applicant | |
| Kirsten Heaven | Non-State Core Participants Co-ordinating Group | |
| Charlotte Kilroy KC | Non-State Core Participants applicants | Tom Lowenthal |