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Written question asked by Chris Evans (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 June 2026. It was answered by Catherine Atkinson (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Coroners: Appeals

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has considered the potential merits of introducing a more accessible appeals mechanism for coroners’ rulings.

Answer

The Government believes that coroners’ decisions can be effectively and appropriately challenged by means of the existing mechanisms of judicial review or application for a first or fresh inquest under section 13 of the Coroners Act 1988.

As soon as Parliamentary time allows, we will bring forward amendments to section 13 to enable the High Court, in appropriate circumstances, to direct the Record of Inquest to be amended without the need for a fresh inquest. This will provide the court with greater flexibility to ensure that it can fulfil its role as expediently as possible and in a way that best serves the interests of justice.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
5902
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Appeals Coroners
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk