Funeral Directors: Regulatory Regime

Viscount Stansgate Excerpts

Wednesday 9th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I can assure my noble friend that that is indeed what will guide us.

[Viscount Stansgate (Lab)]

My Lords, I warmly welcome the most reverend Primate’s Question and the Government’s response to it. The terrible events in Hull remind us that there are occasions when terrible events lead to worthwhile reform. In the 1820s, the discovery that Burke and Hare were murdering people in Edinburgh led this House to pass the Anatomy Act 1832, which was a step forward in this area. Can my noble friend outline what range of consultations will be held? There are many reputable funeral director chains, but there are also individuals; it is a wide field. Can my noble friend outline the extent of the consultation that will precede what I hope will be government action?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

My noble friend endorses the point that I made earlier, which I know the House recognises: that the majority of funeral providers, even within the current set-up, are providing a first-rate service that encourages trust as well as respect and service. However, because of these terrible circumstances, we have to act to protect people. I say to my noble friend that we are working very closely with funeral providers to get it right, so that they can do the work they need to do without undue burden, but with protection for those whom they are working for.