I am delighted the Government Minister, Simon Clarke MP, has listened to my concerns, and other colleagues, from across the House of Commons over the rights of the deceased to be buried or cremated.
I know this was an issue which many faiths, especially in the Muslim and Jewish community from Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, raised with me over the weekend.
After signing a cross party amendment, I can not praise enough the work of the government in quickly coming to the table and making the necessary changes.
The new amendment will protect the deceased and their religious rights and freedoms to be buried or cremated, however they wish.
This right is enshrined in Article 9 of both the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. This protects people`s freedom of thought conscience and religion including the right to practice and observance.
The COVID-19 Bill is a major piece of legislation with lots of challenging rules and procedures to implement. This is an unprecedented time and I am delighted the government shows their commitment to work across the House.