Andrew Malkinson Inquiry Announcement

Thursday 26th October 2023 Written Statements

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Chalk)]

In August 2023 I announced that the Ministry of Justice would establish a non-statutory independent inquiry into the issues raised by the miscarriage of justice suffered by Andrew Malkinson. Mr Malkinson deserves thorough answers as to how and why this miscarriage of justice took so long to uncover. An innocent man spent 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, while a rapist remained on the loose. It is essential that lessons from this case are learned in full.

The inquiry’s terms of reference reflect the Government’s commitment to protecting the interests of justice and ensuring that lessons are learnt from Andrew Malkinson’s case. I asked that the inquiry covers the period from the date of the initial offence, Mr Malkinson’s criminal conviction, and subsequent journey to appeal. Today I am publishing the terms of reference and announcing the chair: Her Honour Judge Sarah Munro KC. I am pleased to confirm that HHJ Munro KC has agreed the terms of reference, which Mr Malkinson was also consulted on.

I will place a copy of the terms of reference for the inquiry in the Libraries of both Houses.

The inquiry’s investigations will now be a matter for the chair. As the sponsoring Department, the Ministry of Justice will provide support and ensure that the inquiry has the resources it needs to deliver answers to Mr Malkinson.

[HCWS1094]