Bereaved to advise MPs on inquests

Bereaved relatives are to form a special advice panel to give MPs feedback on proposed reforms of the inquest system, it has been announced.

Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman said eight women and four men with recent experience of inquests will serve on the panel at the Houses of Parliament.

The members of the public had had both "good and bad" experiences of the coroner system, she said.

Ms Harman said: "This new law is supposed to make the inquest process better for bereaved relatives.

"So who better to help us be sure that the law will do what we hope?

"Bereaved families will help Parliament shape a better inquest service."

The panellists are from Poole, Southsea, Reading, Watford, Penarth, Cheltenham, Basildon, Leeds, Preston, Nottinghamshire, North Yorkshire and Loughborough.

They will comment on the draft Coroner Bill in front of MPs on October 18.