New pressure for independent inquiry watchdog

The London Assembly has today renewed calls to ensure lessons from tragedies like Grenfell are acted on rather than forgotten. It has highlighted that recommendations from inquests and inquiries often disappear into a void—responses are vague, delayed or missing, leaving families without clarity and progress unchecked.

INQUEST’s proposed National Oversight Mechanism would track these recommendations, ensure transparency and hold authorities to account.

The Assembly has urged the UK Government to create this independent body and asked the Mayor to restate his call for its implementation.

Hina Bokhari OBE AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“Whether it’s Grenfell, Hillsborough, or the contaminated blood scandal, too often in the wake of tragedy, families are left fighting for answers, justice and genuine change.

“A National Oversight Mechanism would ensure that when the state fails, lessons are not just identified but acted upon to prevent future loss of life.”

The full text of the motion is:

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 20221, 9th November 20222 and 31st October 20223. 
• Correspondence with the previous Prime Minister on 13th June 20234 and again on 12th June 20245. 

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. 

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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