INQUEST’s Proposal for a National Oversight Mechanism

Hina Bokhari OBE AM moved and Gareth Roberts AM seconded the following motion:

“This Assembly notes the following:

• INQUEST’s continued calls for a National Oversight Mechanism: an independent public body, accountable to Parliament, which would collate, analyse and follow-up on recommendations arising from inquests, inquiries, official reviews and investigations into state-related deaths. This body would ensure that recommendations from the Grenfell Tower inquiry, and other public inquiries, are implemented and not left to gather dust.
• Following post-death investigations, recommendations are often made to ensure more lives will not be lost in the same way. However, there is a lack of transparency on what actions state bodies and authorities take in response to these important recommendations.
• Responses often lack detail and are formulaic. Other times, they are delayed or not sent at all, leaving bereaved families wondering and having to chase to find out what progress has been made.
• The Mayor’s continual support for the proposal for a National Oversight Mechanism, not limited to:
  • Submissions to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry on 22nd June 2022, 9th November 2022 and 31st October 2022.
  • Correspondence with the previous Prime Minister on 13th June 2023 and again on 12th June 2024. 

This Assembly calls for:

• The current UK government to finally create an independent oversight body, accountable to Parliament.
• The Mayor of London to write to the current UK government to reiterate his calls for the implementation of a National Oversight Mechanism.”

Following debate, and upon being put to a vote, the motion was agreed with 14 votes being cast in favour and 5 votes being cast against.