Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice

Prevent the press from entering inquests without next of kin consent

Closed 762 signatures

What the petition asks

Grieving families would like the option to decline the attendance of the press at their deceased loved ones inquest. Families are facing excruciating anxiety not only dealing with the loss but also worrying about the sensualising of the reporters. Next of kin should be allowed to decline or agree.
So many families recently are struggling to cope after the sudden death of a family member, the press sometimes get the facts wrong, publish unnecessary private information or sensationalise to sell a story. It should become compulsory for grieving families to be given the choice whether the press attend or not. This could either be next of kin or close family / friends. Families would then have a reduction in anxiety or mental health challenges following the death of a person they loved.

Timeline

23 Nov 2020 Petition opened for signatures
23 May 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 762
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 23 Nov 2020
Closed 23 May 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.