Inquiries - Facing Our Failures

Available for over a year

After scandals or disasters like Grenfell Tower, the call is always for a public inquiry. But what do these inquiries achieve, and why are they often so controversial? Which ones have been admired and led to change, which seen as expensive cover-ups? Chris Bowlby reveals a rich history of inquiries into everything from rail crashes and murders to corruption and treachery. How have they changed as deference and backroom deals gave way to political theatre and angry public opinion? Archive from key moments and insights from insiders will shed light on some of Britain's greatest failures - and the painful attempt to learn the lessons. Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon.