UK government plans new laws to regulate funeral industry after Hull funeral director jailed

The UK government is working on new legislation to regulate the funeral industry, as announced by Health Secretary Yvette Cooper in a written update to Parliament. This follows the jailing of Robert Bush, a Hull funeral director, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for 67 offences, including denying 30 people a decent burial, theft from charities, and fraudulent trading over nearly 12 years. Police found 35 bodies and over 100 sets of ashes at his business, Legacy Independent Funeral Directors. Cooper described his actions as 'utterly abhorrent' and said the Law Commission would review criminal law regarding the deceased to identify gaps and recommend new offences. The funeral industry in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is currently self-regulating, and anyone can set up as a funeral director without formal training or oversight. MPs and affected families have been lobbying for change.