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We need a Chief Coroner to Honour the Fallen, says Jessica 15 November 2011

On the day after remembrance Sunday, Jessica has called on the Government to back the British Legion’s campaign to keep the post of Chief Coroner. A Chief Coroner’s office was put forward by the previous Labour government to enable a coherent and independent office to tackle the problems of unacceptable delays, a lack of accountability and inconsistent standards across the country for our fallen dead. 

Jessica asked “The Royal British Legion thanked hon. Members from all parties for their cross-party support when the post of chief coroner was agreed just two years ago. Does the Minister agree that the issue should unite, not divide, this House, and that appointing a chief coroner in line with the revised proposals from the Royal British Legion and Inquest would send a wonderful message to service families at this particularly special time?” 

The Minister replied “I am afraid that I do not entirely agree. The important thing is the results that bereaved families receive at inquests, with which there have been problems in the past, and that is why the Ministry of Defence is, for instance, laying on specific events and continuing familiarisation with military inquests for coroners. We are also ensuring that they are properly trained with regard to bereaved families. People seem to have become hung up on the office of a chief coroner, but it is a Ministry of Justice matter, as I have said. What is important is that bereaved families receive an excellent service from coroners, and we are working very hard to ensure that that happens.