House of Commons · Bill Debate
15 July 2022 · 6 other contributors
Opened by Maria Eagle Lab Liverpool Garston
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Maria Eagle raised concerns about public advocate (no.2) bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Moves the Second Reading of the Public Advocate (No.2) Bill, which aims to establish an independent public advocate for families bereaved in public disasters and injured survivors. The bill would ensure that public authorities are made to tell the truth and prevent them from using public funds to cover up the truth. It also includes a statutory duty of candour for all public authorities, equality of arms at inquests, and a charter for families bereaved through public tragedy.
Agrees with Maria Eagle's points about the importance of transparency and highlights the need to listen to whistleblowers in incidents like Hillsborough.
Acknowledges Maria Eagle's consistent advocacy for an independent public advocate, supports the principle of transparency but suggests that more work is needed to ensure there is no duplication with other investigatory bodies.
Supports the Bill, highlighting its importance in preventing future disasters by ensuring transparency early on. Emphasises the need for action to avoid families fighting for decades to get justice as seen in the Hillsborough case.
Expresses cross-party support and thanks Maria Eagle for her work on this issue. Acknowledges that Ministers are actively considering the proposal for a public advocate but cannot provide firm timescales. Supports the Bill's objective but believes alternative proposals might be better suited.
Asks for clarity on Government plans to introduce an independent public advocate and suggests that detailed considerations, such as interaction with investigative bodies and timing of involvement, need to be addressed.
Pays tribute to Maria Eagle for her advocacy on behalf of bereaved families. Agrees that the complexity requires thorough consideration beyond the timeline of a private Member’s Bill.