Oral Answers to Questions

Deirdre Costigan Excerpts

Tuesday 10th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Alex Davies-Jones]

I am so sorry to hear of the situation that the hon. Gentleman’s constituent finds themselves in. I would be delighted to meet him to discuss this issue and to see what more we can do to support victims in that situation.

[Deirdre Costigan (Ealing Southall) (Lab)]

I recently visited Central Jamia mosque in Southall Green, where I heard about delays in the coroners courts system. In particular, the lack of post-mortem scanning machines locally means that people need to drive to Oxford, causing further delays. What work is the Minister doing with the Muslim community and other faiths to allow them to bury family members according to their religion?

[Alex Davies-Jones]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this very important issue. I know that this matter concerns Members across the House and outside this place. I have met representatives from the Muslim and Jewish communities to see what more we can do to help them to bury their loved ones in a timely manner while working with coroners to expedite inquests, and I am happy to work across parties and across faiths to see what more we can do to make that a reality.