Borders MP Michael Moore has welcomed the changes to procedure included in the Coroners and Justice Bill that allow inquests into service deaths overseas to be carried out in Scotland.

There is no legislative basis at present for the Lord Advocate, Scotland’s senior law officer to investigate deaths occurring outside of Scotland. Until now, coroners in England have assumed sole responsibility for investigating and reporting on the deaths of Scottish personnel serving overseas. Backed by all the major parties, the new rules aim to bring an end to the delays that had been experienced previously, and make it possible for bereaved families to attend inquests as close to home as possible.Michael Moore MP: Borders

Commenting on the changes to inquest procedure, Mr Moore said:

‘We owe individuals serving in the armed forces and their families a huge debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they make on our behalf. The proposed changes appear minor, but will go some way towards easing the financial and emotional burden carried by service families at a time when they need our friendship and support the most.

‘Borders families have been amongst those who have had to grapple with the old system whilst coping with bereavement. This new legislation will benefit people across the whole of Scotland and I am delighted that the government has finally acted on this issue’.