Chief Coroner's Powers
Justice
Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald, Conservative)
The Minister for the Armed Forces, my right hon. Friend Mr Robathan and I wish to make the following statement to the House regarding investigations into service personnel who have died overseas:
On
His Honour Judge Peter Thornton QC, who has today assumed the role of chief coroner of England and Wales will be able to recommend that investigations be transferred from England and Wales in appropriate circumstances, for example where the deceased’s family is based in Scotland.
The provisions aim to reduce the additional distress that can be caused by ensuring that bereaved service families from Scotland do not have to travel long distances to England or Wales to attend an inquest.