In volume three of his report into the May 2017 attack, published last week, Sir John Saunders recommended amending the Inquiries Act 2005 to include an express provision requiring a potential witness to participate. He called for pre-emptive enforcement proceedings for witnesses likely to refuse to cooperate, and recommended statutory powers to prevent a material witness travelling abroad—for example, a short-term restriction on a witness’s passport.
Sir John also suggested changing the threshold for extradition in connection with certain witnesses.
Hogan Lovells counsel Helen Boniface, representing several families, said: ‘We fully support the chair's findings and recommendations.
‘We are pleased the chairman has repeated the recommendation from the London Bridge inquests that legislative change is needed to enable prosecution of those possessing the most serious material which glorifies or encourages terrorism.’
