Patrick Finucane Inquiry
OngoingFinucane Inquiry
Inquiry into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane in 1989 and collusion between loyalists and security forces. Established under the Inquiries Act 2005 with full statutory powers to compel documents and summon witnesses under oath. Announced by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 11 September 2024 following the 2019 Supreme Court judgment that previous investigations were insufficient under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Sir Gary Hickinbottom was appointed chair on 13 June 2025. Terms of Reference were published on 9 March 2026 following formal consultation with the chair and the Finucane family; the Baroness O'Loan and Francesca Del Mese have been appointed assessors.
Parliamentary Activity 8 Click to expand
Alex Burghart (Conservative)
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Labour)
Hilary Benn (Labour)
Timeline (4) Click to expand
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced a statutory inquiry into the killing of solicitor Patrick Finucane in 1989, following the 2019 Supreme Court judgment that previous investigations had been insufficient under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Sir Gary Hickinbottom was appointed Chair of the Inquiry.
The Inquiry's Terms of Reference were published, following consultation with the chair and the Finucane family.
SourceThe Inquiry held its first preliminary hearing, in Belfast.
Source