Parliament
12 mentions of the inquiry in Parliament since December 2014: debates, written questions and statements, oral questions and early day motions, from Hansard.
Al-Sweady Inquiry
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Director of Public Prosecutions about the possibility of charges of fraud, corruption, conspiracy and attempting to pervert the course of justice being brought against lawyers working for Leigh Day and Public Interest Lawyers with regard to the Al Sweady case.
The Crown Prosecution Service routinely provides the Attorney General with updates on cases and casework issues. In accordance with the practice adopted by previous Law Officers the Attorney General does not usually comment on which individual cases are raised with him.
Read full answer →Al-Sweady Inquiry
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Fallon MP, on 17 December 2014 (HC Deb, cols 1407–9), whether they will take action against Public Interest Lawyers for pursuing "completely base
The Government is considering all available options
Read full answer →Al-Sweady Inquiry
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much legal aid has been paid to Public Interest Lawyers in respect of allegations made during the Al-Sweady inquiry; and what steps they plan to take to recover such money.
Legal aid did not fund the Al-Sweady inquiry itself, nor did it fund the legal representation at the inquiry for the families of the Iraqi civilians who were killed.
However, the inquiry stemmed from six people bringing a civil judicial review claim against the Ministry of Defence. These challenges were funded by legal aid. Payments on account were made which amounted to £188,000.
The Justice Secretary ordered the LAA to conduct a rigorous review into the actions of Public Interest Lawyers in handling of evidence and documents relating to the Al-Sweady Inquiry. Some concerns were referred to the independent Solicitors Regulation Authority and they are now carrying out an investigation into these matters.
Read full answer →