Government Website: Registering a Death

Debate between Lord Ravensdale and Lord Hanson of Flint

Tuesday 10th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

As I said, nine days is the median. I confess to the House that death certificates are not my specialist subject, but I will do my best to investigate whether there are any delays and will write to my noble friend.

[Lord Ravensdale (CB)]

My Lords, sudden unexplained death in childhood is a tragedy that affects around 40 children per year in the UK, but there are cases where, in the event of a child’s death, parents are waiting more than a year to find out what happened. As if the pain of losing the child was not bad enough, they then have to wait more than a year to get closure. This is all due to a shortage of paediatric pathologists in the system. Can the Minister say what plans the Government have to address this situation?