Duty of Candour for Public Authorities and Legal Representation for Bereaved Families Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Duty of Candour for Public Authorities and Legal Representation for Bereaved Families

Shaun Davies Excerpts
Wednesday 3rd September 2025

(2 days, 20 hours ago)

Westminster Hall
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Alex Davies-Jones Portrait Alex Davies-Jones
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I am grateful for that question. I have heard the frustration and anger, both in this place and outside it, in relation to the need to introduce this quickly and urgently, but we have also heard directly from families about the need to get this right. It is our opportunity to do this, once and for all, and we will not rest until we get that right. I therefore refuse to put a timeline on it, but I do know that we need to do this quickly, and I have heard that today. First and foremost, however, it has to be done with the families first, and we will not proceed with anything that does not have their blessing and backing.

Shaun Davies Portrait Shaun Davies (Telford) (Lab)
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The passion that the Minister is showing today also underlines that the engagement over the summer has been really worthy of this Labour Minister. Inquiries will take place between now and when the Bill is given Royal Assent. Will she confirm that the duty of candour will apply to those inquiries that are live at the time that Royal Assent is provided by the King?

Alex Davies-Jones Portrait Alex Davies-Jones
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I can confirm that. Once the Bill receives Royal Assent, it will apply immediately and cover any inquiry that is taking place. That includes the Government statutory inquiry that we have announced on Orgreave, the Government inquiry on grooming gangs, and any inquiry or inquest that will be taking place.