Justice Committee hears evidence from MoJ Minister Mike Freer as part of its Coroner Service inquiry

• Watch the session: The Coroner Service: follow-up
• Inquiry: The Coroner Service: follow-up
• Justice Committee

Witnesses

Tuesday, 19 March, The Grimond Room, Portcullis House

At 2.30pm

• Mike Freer MP, Minister for Courts and Legal Services at Ministry of Justice
• Terry Davies, Deputy Director at Death Management, Miscarriages of Justice Compensation, Inquiries and Coroners Division, Ministry of Justice

During the inquiry’s third and final evidence session, MPs will hear from the Minister for Courts and Legal Services on how the MoJ intends to respond to the Chief Coroner’s warning that the service is underfunded to the extent that the rule of law is under threat.

The cross-party committee of MPs launched the inquiry in November 2023 as a follow up to the Committee’s earlier work into the Coroner Service of England and Wales to examine changes made since 2021.

Discussion is expected to focus on what progress has been achieved following the Committee’s 2021 report recommendations, with a particular focus on the current operation of the Coroner Service, delays, putting families at the heart of the service and preventing future deaths.

During the 2019-21 session the Committee conducted an inquiry examining the effectiveness and capacity of the Coroner Service. This inquiry builds on and revisits that work. It is considering what has changed in the Coroner Service since 2021, checking on the progress that has been made on the Committee’s earlier recommendations.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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