Secret inquests 'forced through' Parly

Secret inquests which will bar bereaved families and the public from attending hearings into controversial deaths were forced through Parliament last night, the Independent reports today.

It says: "The Government narrowly defeated opposition to the new powers by a majority of eight MPs in a highly charged vote in the House of Commons. Under the measures ministers will be able to order that an inquest is replaced with a secret inquiry whenever they deem it necessary."

The move has been opposed by media organisations, including the NUJ.

The Indy quotes Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, which had strongly opposed the powers, saying: "The British public has no taste for secret justice, particularly when the rights of grieving families are at stake. We will continue to fight for open jury inquests until the Government thinks again."