On 22 January 2019, Supperstone J heard the Claimants’ application for permission to judicially review the decision of Inquiry Chairman, Sir John Mitting, to restrict the cover names of former undercover officers in the Special Demonstration Squad and National Public Order Intelligence Unit. The Claimants seek to challenge the decisions made in respect of 11 SDS officers and 12 NPOIU officers.
A number of members of Chambers appeared at the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice: Jeremy Johnson QC (for 6 NPOIU officers), Alan Payne (for 1 NPOIU officer), and Claire Palmer (as junior counsel in respect of the 11 SDS officers and 1 NPOIU officer). The Court has reserved its decision.