Undercover Policing Inquiry Update

The Undercover Policing Inquiry resumed on Monday 13 October with opening statements focusing on the deployment of officers within campaign groups during the 1990s–2000s, including the Stephen Lawrence campaign. Counsel to the Inquiry indicated that race will be a prominent theme and that the panel will hear “deeply moving” evidence from justice campaigners.

Read more:  The Independent 

Summary

• This phase examines the Special Demonstration Squad’s activity from 1993–2007 and its impact on families and campaign groups.

• Doreen Lawrence has suggested the Home Office may have been involved in surveillance of her family’s campaign; the Home Office says there was no direct tasking. (The Guardian)

• Opening statements set the context ahead of evidence from campaigners and former officers over the coming months.

Recent media coverage

• BBC News —  Undercover officer played role in Stephen Lawrence inquiry clashes (13 Oct 2025) – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c803ex1xgr5o  

• The Independent — Undercover police inquiry to hear justice campaigners’ ‘deeply moving’ evidence (13 Oct 2025) - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/stephen-lawrence-metropolitan-police-theresa-may-doreen-lawrence-london-b2844304.html 

• The Guardian — Doreen Lawrence alleges Home Office was involved in Met spying on family (13 Oct 2025) -  https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/13/doreen-lawrence-alleges-home-office-was-involved-in-met-spying-on-family 

We will keep you updated as the inquiry progresses.