Catalogue description Inquiry into the Matters Arising from the Death of Stephen Lawrence: Records

In July 1997, the Home Secretary asked Sir William Macpherson of Cluny to inquire into the 'matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence, in order particularly to identify the lessons to be learned for the investigation and prosecution of racially motivated crimes'. It was established under Section 49 of the Police Act 1996.

Sir William was supported in his task by the following advisors: Mr Tom Cook, formerly the Deputy Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, the Rt Revd Dr John Sentamu, the Bishop of Stepney, and Dr Richard Stone, the Chairman of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality.

Stephen Wells and Alison Foulds, from the Home Office's Operational Policing Policy Unit, were appointed Secretary and Assistant Secretary in August 1997; and Peter Whitehurst, from the Treasury Solicitor's Department, was appointed Solicitor to the Inquiry in the same month. Linda Dann joined as the Assistant Solicitor in November.

The Attorney General instructed David Penry-Davey QC as Counsel to the Inquiry, with Anesta Weekes as second Counsel. On his appointment to the High Court Bench, David Penry-Davey QC was replaced by Edmund Lawson QC in November 1997. John Gibson joined as junior Counsel in December.

The report was published in February 1999.