Public Inquiry

Patrick Finucane Inquiry

Status: Ongoing Chair: Sir Gary Hickinbottom Established: Jun 2025 Commissioned by: Northern Ireland Office

Inquiry into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane in 1989 and collusion between loyalists and security forces. Established under the Inquiries Act 2005 with full statutory powers to compel documents and summon witnesses under oath. Announced by the Secretary of …

Key facts

Duration (ongoing): 1 year, 2 months

Reports & milestones

Reports

No reports listed.

Timeline

11 Sep 2024 Inquiry announced The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced a statutory inquiry into the killing of solicitor Patrick Finucane …

13 Jun 2025 Chair appointed Sir Gary Hickinbottom was appointed Chair of the Inquiry.

09 Mar 2026 Terms of Referenc… The Inquiry's Terms of Reference were published, following consultation with the chair and the Finucane family. · Source

10 Jun 2026 First preliminary… The Inquiry held its first preliminary hearing, in Belfast. · Source

Parliamentary activity

8 mentions since Sep 2023

5 questions 2 statements

20 Jun 2025 Written Question Murder of Patrick Finucane Independent Inquiry: Finance
Alex Burghart (Conservative)

17 Jun 2025 Written Question Murder of Patrick Finucane Independent Inquiry
Lord Caine (Conservative)

13 Jun 2025 Written Ministerial Statement The Establishment of the Patrick Finucane Inquiry
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Labour)

13 Jun 2025 Written Ministerial Statement The Establishment of the Patrick Finucane Inquiry
Hilary Benn (Labour)

24 Apr 2025 Written Question Public Inquiries: Finance
Lord Kempsell (Conservative)

View all 8 mentions →