At the end of Tranche 2, core participants made written closing statements. However, the Inquiry Chair, Sir John Mitting decided he did not need oral closing statements. This was contested by the Non-State Core Participants Coordinating Group (NSCPs) who wished to be able to respond to some of the points raised in the written closing statements of state core participants, and because they were important for ability for the public to follow.
This was a change from practice in the Inquiry up until then. THe NSCPs requested a reconsideration on the matter of oral hearings or, in the alternative, a way to be able to respond. This led to a short procedural hearing held on 11 February 2025, several days before the end of the Tranche 2 Phase 2 evidential hearings.
The NSCPs position was put forward by their counsel, Angelina Nicolaou. Peter Skelton KC spoke on behalf of the Metropolitan Police. Mitting refused the application for oral closing statements
The Metropolitan Police also had a point to raise about extending the timetable for submission of written closing statements. The timetable was being complicated by the need to prepare for closed hearings for undercovers given full anonymity (and to which the NSCPs were excluded). Mitting was prepared to grant a six week extension, with submissions on precise extension to be done in writing.