Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

The Coroner Service

28 October 2021 · 6 other contributors · 13,444 words

Opened by Bob Neill Con Bromley and Chislehurst

Responding minister: James Cartlidge

Justice & Courts

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bob Neill raised concerns about the coroner service in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about inconsistencies in the coroner service due to localised funding affecting bereaved families differently across the UK.
  • Mr. Neill asks the government to reconsider its stance on a national coroner service and to publish cost analyses supporting their conclusions.
  • The minister acknowledged challenges faced by coroners due to COVID-19 and highlighted measures in the Judicial Review and Courts Bill aimed at supporting recovery plans.

Key requests to Government

Mr. Neill asks the government to reconsider its stance on a national coroner service and to publish cost analyses that support their conclusions. He also requests information on plans for establishing an inspectorate, addressing access to legal aid for bereaved families, and improving recruitment of pathologists by reviewing fees.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Bob Neill Con Bromley and Chislehurst

Mr. Neill is concerned about the inconsistencies in the coroner service due to localised funding, which affects bereaved families differently across the country. He notes that previous reports have called for a national coroner service but the government has been unwilling to agree, citing cost as an issue despite compelling evidence suggesting otherwise. Mr. Neill highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the system, mentioning unfulfilled promises regarding reviews of existing legislation and the publication of documents like the review from 2015.

Other contributors (6)
  • Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick

    Mr Slaughter criticised the government's response to the Justice Committee's report on the coroner system, arguing it was inadequate. He highlighted issues such as non-means tested legal aid provision, appeals on coroners' decisions, pathologists' fees, a national coroner service, an inspectorate, and complaints procedure among others. Mr Slaughter also mentioned personal experiences of inquests where families lacked proper representation while state bodies were well-funded and represented.

  • Andy Slaughter Lab Hammersmith

    The MP contributed substantial knowledge on the report's content and debated about issues like national service reforms and legal aid access for families, supporting the lead MP's concerns.

  • Caroline Flint Lab Delyn

    I raise concerns about the impact of current policies on the Coroner Service in my constituency, highlighting delays and inadequate resources.

  • Chris Clarkson Con Wigan

    Acknowledging the challenges faced by coroners, I emphasise the need for a review to address systemic issues and improve efficiency within the service.

  • Maria Eagle Lab Liverpool Garston

    Agrees with the adversarial nature of some coroner's inquests and highlights that families simply want to know what happened to their loved ones. Also raises concern about a shortage of pathologists impacting the capacity of coroners courts. Ms. Eagle emphasized the importance of addressing family needs and highlighted issues such as inconsistencies in practice and accessibility to support services, adding detailed points about the Hillsborough case. Discussed issues with the coroner service, highlighting the Hillsborough disaster as an example of how inquests can fail bereaved families. Emphasised the need for equality of arms between public bodies and bereaved families during inquests.

  • Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

    Tim Loughton raised concerns about the inefficiency of coroners' investigations, specifically mentioning the delay in conducting an inquest for the Shoreham air show crash victims. He also discussed his private Member's Bill regarding stillbirths, which is yet to see full implementation despite its importance and widespread support.

Government Response

James Cartlidge

Responded to the Justice Committee's report on coroner services, expressing gratitude for the committee's thorough inquiry and stakeholders' evidence. Acknowledged challenges faced by coroners due to COVID-19 while praising their continued service delivery. Highlighted that the Government accepted six recommendations outright and are working on them. Mentioned measures in the Judicial Review and Courts Bill aimed at streamlining processes and supporting recovery plans. Addressed delays in the Shoreham air show inquest, legal aid for bereaved families, and considerations regarding a national coroner service.

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