Over 60 closed-door inquests under Section 9C since 2022 have sparked calls for reform due to lack of transparency and family involvement.

The Isle of Wight County Press and local MPs are urging coroners to end the use of Section 9C inquests, which allow written, closed-door proceedings without public hearings, citing growing concerns over transparency and family rights. Since 2022, over 60 such inquests have been conducted, often without families’ knowledge or consent, leading to delays averaging 76 weeks. Legal experts emphasize families must be heard and that coroners must justify closed hearings, though no appeal process exists. Critics call the system broken, demanding greater accountability and public oversight.