Baroness Doreen Lawrence, the mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, is set to give crucial evidence to the long-running public inquiry into undercover policing on Thursday.
The Shocking Revelations That Sparked the Inquiry
The inquiry was established in 2015 after explosive allegations emerged about the conduct of undercover officers from two secretive Metropolitan Police units: the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit.
Among the most disturbing accusations were that officers had deceived women into long-term sexual relationships, sometimes resulting in children, and had callously used the identities of deceased children without their families' knowledge or consent.
A pivotal reason for launching the inquiry was the revelation that police spies had systematically targeted justice campaigners who were supporting the Lawrence family following their son's racist murder.
A Mother's Pursuit of Justice
Stephen Lawrence, an 18-year-old student, was the victim of an unprovoked, racist attack in April 1993. He was waiting for a bus home with his friend Duwayne Brooks in Eltham, south-east London, when a gang set upon him.
The initial murder investigation was marred by profound failures, including incompetence and alleged corruption. Despite there being five or six attackers, only two men—David Norris and Gary Dobson—were ultimately convicted and given life sentences at the Old Bailey in January 2012.
A subsequent public inquiry into the handling of Stephen's case delivered a landmark conclusion: the Metropolitan Police was institutionally racist.
Campaigners Under Surveillance
Baroness Lawrence's solicitor, Imran Khan, stated in opening statements that his client was "quite undeservedly and unlawfully spied upon by those meant to serve and protect her."
It is alleged that undercover officers, including one known only as HN81 and whistleblower Peter Francis, infiltrated the Movement for Justice group in the late 1990s. This group was actively supporting the Lawrence family's campaign for justice, including during the public inquiry into Stephen's death.
Mr Khan further stated that Lady Lawrence believes the officers involved in targeting her family's campaign were "rewarded by those at the top" for their actions.
The current phase of the mammoth inquiry, which is examining the activities of the SDS between 1993 and 2007, began its hearings in October. Baroness Lawrence will give her evidence at the International Dispute Resolution Centre.
