Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend that the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation will fulfil, in whole or in part, their obligations under Section 4 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019.

The independent investigation in National Health Service maternity and neonatal care led by Baroness Amos set out in its terms of reference that it will look to understand the potential role of coroners in the investigation of late term stillbirths and identify mistakes which would help prevent future deaths.

The investigation will not fulfil obligations under Section 4 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019, as that is for Government. We want to ensure the Government’s final conclusions on coronial investigations of stillbirths reflect any relevant findings and recommendations the independent investigation makes. We will carefully consider next steps following the publication of the final report.