Independent Commission on Emergency Powers to assist Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry

On 19 October 2022 Lady Poole met Sir Jack Beatson, chair of the Independent Commission on UK Public Health Emergency Powers.

The Independent Commission was launched by the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law on 13 October 2022 to review the UK’s legislative framework and parliamentary procedures for responding to public health emergencies, and to recommend changes in law, policy and practice. Lady Poole is continuing to assist the Inquiry during her handover period, pending the appointment of a new Chair.

Lady Poole and Sir Jack Beatson had a productive meeting about their respective Terms of Reference, identified where there were similarities in what they are investigating and discussed how the Independent Commission could be of assistance to the Inquiry.

The Independent Commission aims to report its findings in time to inform both the UK and Scottish COVID-19 inquiries.