Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will take steps to pilot (a) short video interviews, (b) biometric ID checks and (c) other live identity verification for the personal applications of wills.

HMCTS staff are trained in processing and verifying probate applications, with systems established to identify and escalate cases that present certain features of concern. These procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure they address emerging issues appropriately.

The Department is reviewing how personal applicants are identified for probate, as part of a wider examination of non-contentious probate rules: https://www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and-resources/working-group-members/.