Baroness Falkner of Margravine

The terms of reference for a public inquiry determine an inquiry’s scope. Since 2015, none of the terms of reference for public inquiries (whether or not led by a judicial chair) have specifically required an inquiry to make recommendations related to compensation. We do not hold data centrally on departmental reviews.

The Infected Blood Inquiry - a judge-led inquiry - specifically recommended the provision of compensation payments. The Inquiry did so in response to Sir Robert Francis’ framework into compensation payments for victims of infected blood which was commissioned by the Cabinet Office. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) - an inquiry with a non-judicial chair - made a recommendation for a redress scheme for victims and survivors of sexual abuse.

We are not aware of any other inquiry since 2015 which made recommendations for compensation.

The terms of reference for a public inquiry determine an inquiry’s scope. Since 2015, none of the terms of reference for public inquiries (whether or not led by a judicial chair) have specifically required an inquiry to make recommendations related to compensation. We do not hold data centrally on departmental reviews.

The Infected Blood Inquiry - a judge-led inquiry - specifically recommended the provision of compensation payments. The Inquiry did so in response to Sir Robert Francis’ framework into compensation payments for victims of infected blood which was commissioned by the Cabinet Office. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) - an inquiry with a non-judicial chair - made a recommendation for a redress scheme for victims and survivors of sexual abuse.

We are not aware of any other inquiry since 2015 which made recommendations for compensation.

The terms of reference for a public inquiry determine an inquiry’s scope. Since 2015, none of the terms of reference for public inquiries (whether or not led by a judicial chair) have specifically required an inquiry to make recommendations related to compensation. We do not hold data centrally on departmental reviews.

The Infected Blood Inquiry - a judge-led inquiry - specifically recommended the provision of compensation payments. The Inquiry did so in response to Sir Robert Francis’ framework into compensation payments for victims of infected blood which was commissioned by the Cabinet Office. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) - an inquiry with a non-judicial chair - made a recommendation for a redress scheme for victims and survivors of sexual abuse.

We are not aware of any other inquiry since 2015 which made recommendations for compensation.

The Data Linkage Study is a retrospective study based on an analysis of data collected historically for a cohort of adults who, as children, were cared for under a former model of National Health Service gender care, the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS). This study requires no active patient participation and instead relies on an analysis of the available digital information held within health records and other nationally held databases. The analysis looks for potential linkages or associations that do not prove ‘cause and effect’ but nonetheless may provide useful insights on the experience and outcomes of former GIDS patients.

The study was planned to take place during the lifespan of the Independent Cass Review and a statutory instrument was brought forward in 2022 aiming to protect those disclosing protected information. It is well documented that some NHS adult Gender Dysphoria Clinics did not send data to allow the study to commence and the study was not completed.

NHS England is now responsible for delivery of the Data Linkage Study. NHS England has taken time to undertake due diligence work on the data sources critical to the study, and to work with organisations to refine the planned approach to data sharing. Study approvals are currently in progress. As with usual research practice, the data linkage study protocol will be made available in the public domain once independent research and ethical approvals have been appropriately secured, at which point the analytical work can begin.

The independent Working Group have now provided their advice to Ministers who are carefully taking the time to review and consider the advice carefully before confirming next steps in due course.

Any definition used by government will be non-statutory. It will enable government and other relevant bodies to have a greater understanding of unacceptable treatment and prejudice against Muslim communities.

The published terms of reference for the Working Group were clear that their advice on a definition must be compatible with the unchanging right of British citizens to exercise freedom of speech and expression.

The independent Working Group have now provided their advice to Ministers who are carefully taking the time to review and consider the advice carefully before confirming next steps in due course.

Any definition used by government will be non-statutory. It will enable government and other relevant bodies to have a greater understanding of unacceptable treatment and prejudice against Muslim communities.

The published terms of reference for the Working Group were clear that their advice on a definition must be compatible with the unchanging right of British citizens to exercise freedom of speech and expression.

The independent Working Group have now provided their advice to Ministers who are carefully taking the time to review and consider the advice carefully before confirming next steps in due course.

Any definition used by government will be non-statutory. It will enable government and other relevant bodies to have a greater understanding of unacceptable treatment and prejudice against Muslim communities.

The published terms of reference for the Working Group were clear that their advice on a definition must be compatible with the unchanging right of British citizens to exercise freedom of speech and expression.

The independent Working Group have now provided their advice to Ministers who are carefully taking the time to review and consider the advice carefully before confirming next steps in due course.

Any definition used by government will be non-statutory. It will enable government and other relevant bodies to have a greater understanding of unacceptable treatment and prejudice against Muslim communities.

The published terms of reference for the Working Group were clear that their advice on a definition must be compatible with the unchanging right of British citizens to exercise freedom of speech and expression.

Behaviour that makes use of SLAPPs is intolerable and we will tackle it to protect investigative journalism and free speech, while also ensuring access to justice. The Government is focusing on implementing the SLAPPs measures in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Our future approach to SLAPPs reform will be informed by monitoring how these new procedural rules operate when they come into effect in 2025. The work of the SLAPPs taskforce is ongoing and we continue to build our evidence base in considering options for reform in the longer term, taking into account the diversity of views expressed by stakeholders and those targeted by these abhorrent actions.