Families let down by lack of coroners reform
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle2823932.ece
The Government has been accused of neglecting the families of fallen British troops by scrapping reform of the coroners system from its legislative programme.
The Queen’s Speech yesterday had been widely expected to include a Coroners Bill that would have strengthened the investigative powers of inquests and reduced delays for the bereaved.
But the legislation was left in limbo after ministers decided other measures were more deserving of Parliamentary time.
A spokesman for the Royal British Legion condemned the move, insisting that families had now been waiting years for crucial changes.
“The draft Bill was originally published in June 2006. It is extremely disappointing that the Government has not put this forward,” he said.
“It is particularly disappointing that during this national week of remembrance it comes as a greater blow to bereaved families.”
The Legion has made the Bill a key part of its "Broken Covenant" campaign, calling on the Government to honour obligations to troops in return for their sacrifice.
