Public Inquiry
Cranston Inquiry
Status: Completed
Chair: Sir Ross Cranston
Established: Jan 2024
Report: Feb 2026
Commissioned by: Home Office
Inquiry into the search and rescue response to the English Channel small boat tragedy on 24 November 2021, in which over 30 people died.
Response breakdown
Data last updated: 16 Jul 2026 · Source · Data verified: 16 Jul 2026 (Claude)
Key facts
Duration: 2 years
Total cost: £6.8m
Reports & milestones
Reports
Timeline
09 Nov 2023
Inquiry Announced
11 Jan 2024
Chair Appointed
11 Jan 2024
Terms of Referenc…
Inquiry established to examine the search and rescue response to the Channel tragedy of 24 November 2021.
· Source
05 Feb 2026
Final Report Publ…
The Cranston Inquiry final report published, containing 18 recommendations for HM Coastguard, Department for Transport, Home Office, and …
· Source
Recommendations
| Code | Recommendation | Addressed to | Response | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR11 |
The role and functions of HM Coastguard should be set out in up-to-date legislation.
|
Department for Transport | No Response | View → |
| CR12 |
An independent external body should be given responsibility for the regular assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of HM Coastguard. Consideration should …
|
Department for Transport | No Response | View → |
| CR13 |
The government should reconsider Mr Downer's recommendation in his independent review of Border Force that Border Force Maritime should not be providing …
|
Home Office | No Response | View → |
Parliamentary activity
1 debate
4 questions
6 statements
16 Jul 2026
Written Ministerial Statement
Initial Response to the Cranston Inquiry
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour)
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour)
16 Jul 2026
Written Ministerial Statement
Initial Response to the Cranston Inquiry
Heidi Alexander (Labour)
Heidi Alexander (Labour)