Question to the Ministry of Justice:

What his policy is on the provision of legal aid for inquests.

We published our review of legal aid for inquests on 7 February. The evidence confirmed the inquest process should remain about fact finding and establishing the truth rather than apportioning blame.

We are working on raising the awareness of legal aid for representation at inquests by publishing new guidance for bereaved people. Legal aid for inquests is available through the Exceptional Case Funding scheme, and we are working to simplify the application process for this.

We are committed to ensuring bereaved families are properly supported and able to participate in the inquest process. We believe families should be at the heart of the coronial process.