UNITED KINGDOM
ITV
The panel set up to run the public child sex abuse inquiry may be “disbanded” by Theresa May in the New Year, according to reports.
In a letter addressed to panel members, and leaked by investigative website Exaro News, the Home Secretary says she is considering three options which will give the inquiry full statutory powers – two of which would most likely require the panel being split up.
The three options outlined by May to secure the inquiry statutory powers, including the ability to compel witnesses to give evidence, are:
* the appointment of a new chairman who would then request statutory powers
* the setting up of a new inquiry panel under statutory terms
* holding the inquiry as a Royal Commission without the powers of a statutory inquiry
The Home Office said May was still considering all her options and nothing has yet been decided.
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