Sunlight is the best of disinfectants, or is it? asks Julian Samiloff
From the prime minister being pressured into creating a public inquiry into the war in Iraq, to the 30-year struggle to expose the suppressed facts of the alleged killing of Blaire Peach by police officers in Southall in 1979, the quote from Louis Brandeis—US Supreme Court Justice, still manifests a truth—“Sunlight”, he stated, “is said to be the best of disinfectants”—“publicity is justly commended as a remedy for social, legal and industrial injustice”.
Whether it be rail disasters—Ladbroke Grove—NHS and social services failures—Climbie and Bristol Royal Infirmary—or even the Shipman Inquiry—governmental sponsored inquiries—held in public or in private are, in my view, an essential part of our society’s democratic and rule of law obligation to investigate particular events of significant public concern. Inquiries can ensure that lessons are learned by making recommendations for change, give voice to those who have suffered—so aiding social and individual psychological healing and—I would argue—provide fulfilment of the notion that those responsible are held to account.
The key statutory framework regulating inquiries is now the Inquiries Act 2005 (IA
