Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what his Department’s policy is on terramation; and if he will make a statement.

Alternative methods of disposal that do not involve burial, or the burning of human remains are currently unregulated and fall outside the scope of the existing legislation on burials and cremation. Providers wishing to offer such services must ensure they comply with any other relevant legislation or regulation.

The Law Commission has now started its project looking at modernising and streamlining the law governing the disposal of human remains, with a view to putting forward a legal framework for the future. We expect it will include consideration of the creation of a regulatory framework for safe and dignified new processes, including terramation. Further details of this work can be found on the Law Commission website: https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/a-modern-framework-for-disposing-of-the-dead/.