Undercover Policing Inquiry chair appointed

The Home Secretary has appointed a High Court judge as a panel member on the Undercover Policing Inquiry to then replace its current chair. Sir John Mitting was chosen by Amber Rudd to join the inquiry to support the Sir Christopher Pitchford, with a view to succeeding him. Sir Christopher – appointed chair in 2015 – announced in February that he would not be able to complete the work of the inquiry after revealing he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Although his illness has not affected the inquiry so far, Sir Christopher said this meant he would eventually have to stand down as chair. Sir John has been a High Court judge since 2001, and served as the chair of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission from 2007 to 2012. The Undercover Policing Inquiry is investigating allegations relating to undercover operations – some dating back 40 years. However, it is already significantly behind schedule due to a legal row with the Metropolitan Police Service over how many officers should give evidence, and how many officers and staff will be allowed to remain anonymous. Public evidence hearings may not start before 2018.