Inquiries are a bit like political scandals – there are always several going on at once. They're part of the background hum of our public life.

High-profile cases have included the Leveson Inquiry, which followed the News International phone hacking scandal, and the 12-year inquiry into Bloody Sunday.

"Short inquiry" isn't quite an oxymoron – but they do tend to take their time. Alongside overspending, this is perhaps the most common criticism levelled against them.

And while there are cases where delays could be avoided, the length is – generally speaking – a consequence of the thoroughness that the process entails.

Inquiries work on the principle that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. They aim to scrutinise the actions of public bodies to ensure that lessons are learnt.

Naturally, this involves a huge amount of fact-finding, which includes talking to affected parties. It's not a job that you can – or should – rush.

At the time of writing, there are 13 statutory inquiries in progress. They cover everything from civil engineering to police misconduct; from the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic to abuse in the immigration system.

At Milners, we're proud to represent individuals in inquiries – fighting the corner of people affected by situations beyond their control. We believe that by doing so, we can help ensure the mistakes of the past won't be repeated.

The Infected Blood Inquiry

This inquiry was set up in 2017 to investigate a historic case of medical negligence. Men, women and children were given infected blood or infected blood products by the NHS. Thousands of patients contracted HIV or hepatitis C as a result.

Milners has been involved from the very start, representing campaigners who pushed for the inquiry in the first place. We've also represented 17 victims and their families, seeking fair compensation for those affected.

At the time of writing, the government has accepted the "moral case" for compensation. However, it said that "no final decisions could be made before the inquiry publishes its findings later this year".

Campaigners and their representatives continue to press the government for fair compensation to be given.

UK COVID-19 Inquiry

Chaired by Baroness Hallett, this inquiry seeks to "examine the UK's response to and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and learn lessons for the future".

It's recently made the news thanks to the inquiry's tussle with Boris Johnson over his diaries, notebooks and WhatsApp messages – a saga involving the claim that he'd forgotten the password to an old mobile phone.

This back-and-forth brings to light a key question about inquiries – their scope, and in particular their ability to "compel" evidence from politicians.

Public hearings are currently taking place on "resilience and preparedness" for the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry is looking at the devolved response to the pandemic.

Edinburgh Tram Inquiry

This inquiry is investigating the overspending and delays incurred by the Edinburgh tram project. Fittingly, it's currently under fire for taking too long and costing too much money.

Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry takes its place among several inquiries, at home and abroad, that are investigating the abuse of children in care.

Undercover Policing Inquiry

The Undercover Policing Inquiry was called by then-Home Secretary Theresa May in response to a string of allegations about undercover cops.

These included the claim that police spied on campaigners fighting for justice for Stephen Lawrence – but the allegations dated back to the 1960s. Undercover police targeted and infiltrated anti-apartheid and anti-racist groups.

An initial report outlines "unjustifiable" tactics including the formation of sexual relationships and the use of deceased children's names for false identities.

Grenfell Tower Inquiry

In 2017, a fire in Grenfell Tower, North Kensington, killed 72 people and destroyed the residential tower block. This inquiry seeks to establish what caused the fire and to prevent any similar tragedy.

Brook House Inquiry

Brook House Immigration Removal Centre in West Sussex is operated by private firm Serco on behalf of the Home Office. The Brook House Inquiry is investigating the mistreatment of individuals held in the removal centre.

Sheku Bayoh Inquiry

In 2015, 31-year-old Sheku Bayoh died after being restrained by the police in Kirkcaldy, Scotland.

This inquiry seeks to investigate the events surrounding his death and to establish whether race was a factor in his treatment by the police. Bayoh's family argues that the police overreacted because of racial bias.

Scottish Hospitals Inquiry

This inquiry is looking at the construction of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus in Glasgow, as well as the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh.

Following allegations that these buildings had inadequate ventilation and water cleanliness, it seeks to establish whether they were fit for purpose – and who was responsible if not.

Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry

In Northern Ireland, the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry is investigating the abuse of patients at the facility. It's seeking to establish both why the abuse happened and what made it possible.

Omagh Bombing Inquiry

Also in Northern Ireland, the Omagh Bombing Inquiry is looking into the Real IRA's 1998 car bombing in Omagh, County Tyrone that killed 29 people and injured about 220 more.

It's an "independent" inquiry because the chairman gets to decide what parts of the investigation are made available to the public and the press.

Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan

Finally, there's another independent inquiry that's investigating the "deliberate detention operations" carried out by British armed forces between 2010 and 2013 during the War on Afghanistan.

It's examining both the nature of extrajudicial killings as well as whether they were covered up.

Are you looking for public inquiry representation? Our team of experienced, knowledgeable solicitors will be glad to help. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation.