A DECISION not to hold inquests in secret, announced by government today, has been welcomed by Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner.
Mr Turner, who has previously spoken out about a proposal to hold some inquests in secret, said public inquests were an important part of the British system of open justice.
Justice secretary Ken Clarke had proposed that some hearings could be heard in secret for reasons of national security, however this led to fears expressed by civil liberties groups.
Today Mr Clarke announced he would scale back the proposals in the Justice and Security bill, to keep inquests open to the public.
Mr Turner said: "An inquest is opened by a coroner in the public interest when deaths are unexpected or violent and in a small number of other circumstances.
"Grieving families must have the right to find out the facts about how a loved one has died.
"Inquests are an important part of the system of open justice and I have always agreed they should remain public, so I am very pleased that following the consultation the justice secretary proposal published today acknowledged that."
He added: "The Island has been well served by coroner John Matthews, who recently announced his retirement and I would like to pay tribute to him for 18 years of service. I look forward to welcoming his successor Caroline Sumeray."
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk