PM says funeral industry regulations being reviewed after Hull investigation
Rishi Runak says the Government is in "dialogue" with the funeral industry
Last updated 14th Mar 2024
The Government is in "dialogue" with the funeral industry as police investigate an alleged scandal at a business in Hull, the Prime Minister has said.
Legacy Independent Funeral Directors is the subject of an investigation after officers recovered 35 bodies and suspected human ashes from the Hull-based firm.
Officers cordoned off three of the company's sites after the force received a report last week of concerns about the "storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased".
Two people, a man aged 46 and a 23-year-old woman, have been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position.
Speaking during a visit to Gloucester, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Government was reviewing the regulation of the funeral industry in the wake of the alleged scandal.
"I think when any family experiences that loss, what they deserve is dignity and respect that they need at that particular point in time," Mr Sunak said.
"And some of the things that we've been hearing about are obviously very concerning and I can't comment on live investigations.
"What I would say is, from our point of view, we're already in a dialogue with the industry to make sure that (dignity and respect) it is provided to people when they need it.
"We're reviewing the regulation of the industry, and in the meantime, working with trade bodies who are focused on codes of practice and self-regulation.
"We're engaging with them to make sure that's happening but also reviewing the regulation of the industry and in general overall."
Humberside Police, which is investigating the Hull-based firm, said it had received more than 1,000 calls as part of its inquiries.