HANSARD
Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 Report: Government Update on Progress
- I am today updating the House on the Government’s progress in responding to the recommendations of the independent inquiry into the serious issues arising from the appalling actions of David Fuller. The inquiry’s final report, published on 15 July 2025, made 75 recommendations to strengthen the security and dignity of people after death across a wide range of settings. As the House will recall, it found that arrangements for the care of the deceased were partial, piecemeal and not universally mandated.To mark one year since publication, I am providing a further update on progress since the Government’s interim update of 16 December 2025. The Government have worked with NHS England, the Human Tissue Authority, the Local Government Association and other partners, through a dedicated cross-Government programme board, to consider each recommendation and determine the action required.At this time, the Government have accepted in full the majority of Sir Jonathan Michael’s recommendations and are already taking forward a substantial programme of work to address the issues raised.Significant progress has been made to address the recommendations for NHS Hospitals. NHS England has worked to agree actions at NHS board level to strengthen mortuary security across the NHS estate, alongside wider work to strengthen governance, accountability and safeguarding arrangements. NHS England has also issued a national system letter setting out the actions expected of each NHS trust and providers to ensure that improvements are delivered consistently.There are a further group of recommendations where the Government agree with the intent and direction of travel, but where further consideration is needed before implementation can proceed as stated in the inquiry’s report. These recommendations affect a range of organisations and settings, each with different operational requirements and regulatory arrangements. We are therefore undertaking further work to understand the practical implications, costs and benefits, and to ensure that any changes are proportionate, effective and deliverable. This includes working with local authorities to support closer alignment with Human Tissue Authority standards on security, governance and audit.Some of these recommendations relate to the wider regulation of sectors involved in caring for the deceased outside the NHS, including the funeral sector. These raise broader questions about the most appropriate regulatory framework and the potential impact on businesses, local authorities and others providing these important services. The Government are carefully considering these issues to ensure that any future changes improve standards and oversight while remaining proportionate and sustainable. We recognise the significance of these issues and will update the House as soon as practicably possible on how we intend to take these recommendations forward.