Child abuse inquiry counsel Ben Emmerson QC suspended

UNITED KINGDOM
BBC News

The most senior lawyer working for the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse in England and Wales has been suspended from duty.

The inquiry said it had “become very concerned about aspects” of Ben Emmerson QC’s leadership of his team.

Mr Emmerson said he was “unable” to comment at this time.

The inquiry said press suggestions Mr Emmerson was considering resigning after raising disagreements over its future direction were untrue.

In a statement, it said: “They are not a matter on which he has advised the chair or panel.”
It said he had been suspended so matters “can be properly investigated”.

The inquiry was set up in 2014 to examine whether public bodies including the police have failed in their duty to protect children from sexual abuse. It will also examine claims of abuse involving “well-known people”.

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