Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Video-Witnessing Wills

01 February 2024 · Ministry of Justice

Proposed by Mike Freer Con Finchley and Golders Green

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • Government ending special measure for remote video-witnessing of wills
  • Decision based on ability to conduct in-person witnessing without restrictions
  • Temporary legislation expires on January 31, 2024, not extended further

Issue summary

The Government is ending a special measure that allowed remote video-witnessing of wills during the pandemic.

Action requested

The Government has decided not to extend the temporary legislation allowing remote witnessing of wills beyond January 31, 2024. This decision is based on the fact that in-person witnessing can now be conducted without restrictions.

Key facts

  • The original legislation was introduced in September 2020 under the Wills Act 1837 amendment.
  • The temporary measure was extended for two more years in February 2022 due to ongoing pandemic concerns.
  • In-person witnessing of wills is now unrestricted and no longer considered a last resort.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy