Fact Check: The inquiry announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will have the power to compel witnesses to provide evidence under the Inquiries Act.

Fact Check: "The inquiry announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will have the power to compel witnesses to provide evidence under the Inquiries Act."

What We Know

The inquiry into the UK's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is currently involved in, is governed by the Inquiries Act 2005. This act provides the framework for public inquiries in the UK, including the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and produce documents as necessary for the inquiry's proceedings (Eversheds Sutherland). The inquiry is set to examine various aspects of the government's handling of the pandemic, and it has been reported that the chair of the inquiry has issued notices under this act to compel the provision of certain materials (The Guardian).

Analysis

The claim that the inquiry has the power to compel witnesses is supported by the provisions of the Inquiries Act 2005, which explicitly grants such authority to inquiry chairs. This includes the ability to issue notices that require individuals to attend and give evidence, as well as to produce documents relevant to the inquiry (Eversheds Sutherland).

However, while the act provides this power, the effectiveness of compulsion can vary based on the context and the willingness of witnesses to comply. Past inquiries have faced challenges in enforcing compliance, particularly when witnesses are reluctant to cooperate or when legal complexities arise.

The sources used to substantiate this claim are credible, including legal analyses and reports from established news organizations (The Guardian, Eversheds Sutherland). The inquiry itself is a significant and ongoing legal process, which adds to the reliability of the information regarding its powers.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While the Inquiries Act does grant the power to compel witnesses, the practical application of this power in the context of the current inquiry remains to be fully assessed. The effectiveness of such compulsion in ensuring compliance from witnesses could vary, and further investigation into how this inquiry is being conducted and the responses from potential witnesses would provide a clearer picture of the situation.

Sources

1. UK PM Sunak reportedly said 'just let people die', COVID ...
2. Why Sunak Faces One of His Toughest Weeks as UK Leader
3. CTI Note for 3rd PH M2 on 25 May 2023 - UK Covid-19 Inquiry
4. Witness Statement of Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of United Kingdom
5. What will the Covid inquiry look at – and when will we get ...
6. UK Covid-19 Inquiry: Latest update: Module 2
7. Rishi Sunak - Written Evidence
8. Ministers indicate support for statutory inquiry into Lucy ...