Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, yesterday sought confirmation that a coroner would be retained on the Isle of Wight during questions to the Minister of State for Justice in Parliament.
The Coroners’ and Justice Bill, which is currently before Parliament, seeks to reform the Coroners’ Service across the UK. The bill aims to make the Coroners’ Service uniform by reducing the number of coroners and only employing coroners on a full-time basis. The number of rural coroners is set to be reduced from 112, sitting in 140 locations to around 60. Mr Turner has raised concerns that the local coroner’s service on the Isle of Wight may be withdrawn as a result of the bill.
During a session of oral questions to Michael Wills MP, Minister of State for Justice, Mr Turner stated how important coroners’ services were to ensure justice is done and voiced concerns at the possible withdrawal of the service on the Island. Mr Turner asked the Minister whether he agreed that the service on the Island should be retained. The Minister replied, “I agree with everything the Honourable gentleman has said and I can assure him that as part of the review, there are no plans to do away with the presence of a coroner on the Isle of Wight”.
Mr Turner later said:
“I am pleased the Minister agrees that we need a coroner based on the Island. It would be a terrible waste of taxpayers’ money if we had to ship one in from the mainland for every case. Whilst the Island is not geographically distant from other centres which have a coroner, such as Portsmouth or Southampton, we all know it is a distinct entity with a large population. On this basis, retaining a local coroner is vital to ensure justice continues to be done on the Island. I am concerned, however, that the bill may reduce the service to rural areas across the rest of the country. The Minister claimed that no decisions on this matter would be made without consultation, I hope he keeps his word on both counts.”

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808