Written questions by Foord.

Whether she plans to sign the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; and for what reason the UK has not yet signed that Convention.

The Government considers that the current domestic framework and legislation already prevent arbitrary arrests, prohibits torture and degrading treatment, and holds the Security and Intelligence Agencies to account.We therefore currently have no plans to sign or ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances.We strongly condemn any instances of enforced disappearance internationally. We urge states to fully investigate any allegations, prosecute those responsible and provide justice to victims.

With reference to the National Association of Funeral Directors report entitled Picking up the pieces, published in April 2023, if she will (a) make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of that report's findings on the number of families that have waited more than four weeks for a funeral and (b) hold discussions with local authorities on coordinating work between (i) health services, (ii) coroners, (iii) undertakers and (iv) others highlighted in that report.

Death management is a complex and sensitive area, spanning the work of multiple government departments. Whilst the Government does not have operational responsibility for the provision of funeral services, we are aware of funeral delays in some areas and acknowledge that these are often exacerbated by pressures from within the wider death management system. Death management policy sits across a number of government departments and responsible departments take a collaborative approach to addressing concerns in this area and are committed to continuing to work together, and with local authorities, to improve timeliness and services provided to the bereaved.