31 July 2026
Recent public statements and commentary concerning the Independent Blacklisting Collusion Inquiry have prompted several enquiries. Given this, we believe it is important to clarify the current position.
First and foremost, the independence of the Inquiry has been fully respected throughout. The Inquiry was established as an independent investigation, and Unite the Union as a whole have honoured that commitment. The legal team has conducted its work independently and without interference.
We wish to acknowledge the constructive role played by the Blacklist Support Group and the Inquiry’s Oversight Committee. Their assistance has been invaluable, and they have also respected the independence of the investigative process.
The Inquiry has taken evidence from more than 100 witnesses and reviewed many thousands of pages of material. We are conscious that the delay in the publication of the report is, understandably, frustrating, but a significant line of inquiry has recently emerged that requires careful examination. Given the seriousness of the matters under consideration, we are duty bound to investigate the allegations even though that has led to regrettable, but unavoidable, delay.
The report is currently in the final stages of preparation but remains embargoed until it is complete. It has not been shared with Unite, the Blacklist Support Group, the Oversight Committee, or any other party. There is no intention to suppress the report; it will be published once finalised. However, this requires the conclusion on the current line of inquiry.
We reiterate that the Inquiry remains committed to producing an independent report that is comprehensive, balanced and robust. It would be inappropriate to comment further on its findings until the report has been finalised.
We appreciate the patience shown by all those who have contributed to the Inquiry and by the interested parties who await its publication. We look forward to publishing the completed report as soon as reasonably possible.