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Public Advocate (No.2) Bill
15 July 2022
Lead MP
Maria Eagle
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Justice & Courts
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Maria Eagle raised concerns about public advocate (no.2) bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Edward Argar
Con
Melton and Syston
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.
Ellie Reeves
Lab
Lewisham West and East Dulwich
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.
Tom Pursglove
Con
South East Cambridgeshire
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.
Darren Henry
Con
Broxtowe
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.
Jill Mortimer
Lab
Easington
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
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