Peter Skelton KC

Public Inquiries

Peter acts for all participants in the inquiries, including families, corporate bodies, government departments, charities, and the tribunals themselves.

Most recently, he has been instructed by the Chancellor of Exchequer in the Infected Blood Inquiry and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

Previously, he was counsel to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, where he was responsible for the accountabilities and reparations investigation, which led to recommendations for major reform to the national systems of redress for victims and survivors of abuse.

He also acted for the families of the victims in the Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry and the Royal Liverpool Children’s Inquiry; and for two charities, the Patients Association and Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA), in the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry.

Selected Cases

• Covid-19 Inquiry
• Infected Blood Inquiry: for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
• Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI): for the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.
• Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA): for the Inquiry.
• Leveson Inquiry: for the Mayor’s Office of Policing and Crime.
• Al-Sweady Inquiry: for the Iraqi judges.
• Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry.
• Rosemary Nelson Inquiry: for the Inquiry.
• Royal Liverpool Children’s Inquiry: for the families.
• Bristol Royal Infirmary Public Inquiry: for the families.
• Ayling Inquiry: for the Inquiry.

“Very knowledgeable, excellent in court and on paper.” “His grasp of detail is extraordinary and he is able to distil large volumes of documents into a series of simple propositions for witnesses. His style of questioning is relaxed yet forensic and precise.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)

‘His written work and advocacy are impeccable, and his manner in hearings is just right.’ (Legal 500 2021)

“He has a real mastery of the factual detail and is superb at assimilating material and evidence and getting on top of it all.” “He’s the most relaxed advocate I’ve ever seen; he’s very gentle with witnesses but always gets his point across even when it’s very difficult.” “He’s almost flawless in court: completely fluid and sensible. He doesn’t take bad points and when he has a good one he puts it across efficiently and persuasively.” (Chambers & Partners 2020)

‘He has a relaxed bedside manner that hides a ruthless streak that cuts to the core of any issue.’ (Legal 500 2019)

“He’s very bright, effective and has a very nice, laid-back manner in court.” “He is a really superb public lawyer.”  (Chambers & Partners 2019)

‘He can plot the way through complex issues and his knowledge of coronial law is superb.’ (Legal 500 2018)

“A confident advocate and good communicator.” (Legal 500 2017)

“He comes up with novel ideas, provides a realistic and sensible evaluation of cases and deals with difficult clients well. He just navigates the course through.” “Great on his feet, thinks quickly, sharp as a razor and very articulate.” (Chambers & Partners 2017)

“Simply excellent.” (Legal 500 2016)