CAMPAIGNERS have warned that the government is attempting to shut down the long-running “spy cops” inquiry early.

The Undercover Policing Inquiry – exposing how detectives spied on left-wing organisations over several decades – was first launched more than a decade ago and was still hearing evidence this week.

Originally expected to last three years, it has become by far the longest running and most expensive public inquiry ever in this country already incurring cost of £140million.

It has provided a constant stream of revelations that have caused embarrassment to the Metropolitan Police Service that has issued several public apologies.

It has also provided a forum for redress for many women who were duped into sexual relationships by police working undercover, who were often living and spying on groups across Westminster.

On Thursday the home office announced a consultation on whether the next phase of hearings – focusing on how the police have operated since the scandal first broke – should go ahead.

“We have no doubt that there are powerful interests who would want it shut down,” said a statement from the Campaign Opposing Police Surveillance (COPS).

They added: “We are concerned that this is an attempt to shut this inquiry down at a time when it is about to consider the most important evidence about more recent abuses that took place under the existing regulatory framework that is supposed to protect us today.

“We have been requesting a meeting with the home office for more than a year and have been stonewalled.

“Now we are presented with this multiple choice survey which demonstrates that they have been considering options without listening to us.

“We wish to stress that the delays and costs incurred by the inquiry to date are entirely the result of applications for secrecy and lack of candour by the state agents taking part.”

The home office consultation says that the current chair, Sir John Mitting, wants to retire after filing a report into the latest tranche of evidence.

“This is therefore an opportune moment to reflect on whether the inquiry as currently structured remains the most effective means of achieving its aims or whether alternative approaches might better secure accountability, learning and reform within a reasonable time- frame,” its statement said.

One of the key considerations is whether looking at more recent activity of undercover police officers amounts to an “unnecessary delay”.

A report of the consultation and the government’s response is due to be published in autumn 2026.