Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Modernising Wills: Law Commission Report 2026-06-30

Tuesday 30 June 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Fabian Hamilton asked about implementing the Law Commission's report on Modernising Wills Law.
  • The Government stated they will consider the report carefully but no immediate changes have been committed to.
  • Jim Shannon inquired about ensuring Northern Ireland benefits from the report's recommendations against predatory marriage.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East
Context

The Law Commission's comprehensive review of wills law was published on May 16, 2025.

Question

What steps are being taken to implement the recommendations in the Law Commission's report entitled “Modernising Wills Law”, published on 16 May 2025?

Answer from Sarah Sackman

The law governing wills has not changed substantially since 1837. The Government welcomes the Law Commission's comprehensive and thorough review; they will be taking their time to consider it, and will respond in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or timeline for implementing the recommendations were not provided.

How: Taking Our Time To Consider

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Q2 Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East
Context

In 2018, the questioner began a campaign to abolish the rule stipulating that remarriage in England and Wales revokes any previous will. This rule is seen as archaic and potentially abused by unscrupulous individuals.

Question

Will the Government now commit to accepting the Law Commission's recommendation that the rule which states that marriage revokes a will be abolished?

Answer from Sarah Sackman

I commend my hon. Friend on his work, looking at how we can combat predatory marriages and those who prey on the vulnerable. The Law Commission's recommendation is well evidenced; we will take a holistic look at the issue but will certainly consider carefully.

Partly answered

Not addressed: A commitment to accepting the recommendation was not given.

How: Holistic Look, Consider Carefully

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland
Context

The question arises in the context of Fabian Hamilton's work on modernising wills law and ensuring that Northern Ireland can benefit from similar protections.

Question

What steps is her Department taking to ensure that the insights and drafting expertise in the “Modernising Wills Law” report are taken on board by the Northern Ireland Executive, to ensure families in Northern Ireland can benefit from updated legislation against predatory marriage?

Answer from Sarah Sackman

As we consider the Law Commission's recommendations, we will of course consider how they might lead to law changes and law reform across the United Kingdom. However, where matters are devolved, we respect that as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for Northern Ireland were not outlined.

How: Where Matters Are Devolved

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