Secret Inquests

"Secret inquests which will bar bereaved families and the public from attending hearings into controversial deaths were forced through Parliament last night.

The Government narrowly defeated opposition to the new powers by a majority of eight MPs in a highly charged vote in the House of Commons. Under the measures ministers will be able to order that an inquest is replaced with a secret inquiry whenever they deem it necessary."

Apparently during the ridiculous media storm over Gordon Brown's ability to write a letter, the Government managed to force through a Bill that gives Jack Straw the ability to order a secret inquiry at his own discretion, with any case regarding a "controversial" death. A secret inquiry would see bereaved families, legal representatives and the public excluded from the proceedings. How very democratic.

"the move would mean inquiries held at the behest of the government, which could set their terms of reference, choose a judge, restrict attendance and publication of evidence or suspend proceedings "merely on the grounds that it's in the public interest"."

Even the BBC seem to be vaguely against this Bill. If the Bill is used correctly when public safety is genuinely at stake then it could be harmless, unfortunately we cannot always expect our leaders to act in our interests.