Politics · United Kingdom · 4 hrs ago
Commentator criticises rising number and cost of UK public inquiries
A Daily Mail columnist criticises the growth of UK public inquiries, arguing that they have become costly and slow.
The piece says about 30 inquiries are currently underway, including investigations into alleged SAS war crimes in Afghanistan and the Post Office Horizon scandal.
It says 63 inquiries have been launched in the past two decades.
The columnist points to lawyers’ fees, document systems, property and staffing as costs paid by the state.
Public inquiries investigate major events and can examine evidence and hear from witnesses.
The piece argues that the expense and pace raise questions about how inquiries are run.
It also notes that a new inquiry has been announced into the Manchester synagogue attack.
Commentator Quentin Letts criticises the number and cost of UK public inquiries.
He says 63 inquiries have been launched in the last two decades and describes about 30 as currently underway.
The article says inquiries involve substantial legal and administrative costs paid by the taxpayer.
Letts points to the Afghanistan inquiry as an example, saying he saw 24 lawyers and 13 other legal-looking people in the public seats.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced an inquiry into the Manchester synagogue attack, the article says.
- Who
- Commentator Quentin Letts criticises the growth and cost of public inquiries.
- What
- He argues that inquiries have become numerous and costly.
- When
- The article was published on 15 October 2026.
- Where
- The inquiries discussed are in the United Kingdom.
- Why
- Letts says inquiries involve extensive legal and administrative spending funded by taxpayers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The article says 63 public inquiries have been launched.
Letts attended hearings of the Afghanistan inquiry.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced an inquiry into the Manchester synagogue attack.
- Inquiries launched
- 63 in the last two decades
- Inquiries underway
- About 30, according to the article
- Afghanistan inquiry attendance
- 24 lawyers and 13 other legal-looking people in the public seats
- Barristers’ rate
- Up to £250 an hour on the inquiries circuit
- Manchester synagogue attack
- Shabana Mahmood announced an inquiry this week
What people are saying
inquiries are a total disgrace
bandit’s packet