Government announces review of Corner's system
07/02/2006
We just wanted to say thank you. We will never be able to repay you or express how grateful we are to you for all the support and help. There would have been no one in the world that we would have had in preference to you to act for us.
John, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Harriet Harman, Constitutional Affairs Minister yesterday announced a shake-up of the Coroners system in the UK.
The proposals come as a direct response to the Shipman Inquiry and the recommendations made by Dame Janet Smith in her seven reports.
In a speech to the House of Commons yesterday Ms Harman set out a number of changes which will be made to the Coroners system.
These include a chief coroner to be appointed to oversee the work of all coroners, relatives to be allowed the right to a second opinion on death certification, and all part-time coroners are to be abolished with a move to a system of full-time coroners, who will have to be legally qualified.
"There has been a notable lack of consultation between government and interested parties. These reforms have come very late in the game and don't reach far enough," said Ann Alexander who represented over 200 families of relatives of people murdered by Harold Shipman.
Ms Harman conceded that families were often overlooked during the inquest process. The new reforms will push the focus of the system onto the bereaved.
The reforms precede the draft Coroners' Bill, due to be published in April.
Back to news
If you would like us to provide you with advice with regard to your potential claim, please complete our brief claim form. We will reply to your enquiry within one working day.
Fill out our quick claim form
If you would like to speak to someone directly about your claim, please call our friendly team on:
0870 024 0558