Inquiry into 2,000 mental health deaths in Essex NHS trusts given legal powers

After pressure from bereaved relatives and inquiry chair, witnesses will be compelled to give evidence

An independent inquiry into the deaths of almost 2,000 mental health patients across NHS trusts in Essex is to be given legal powers to compel witnesses to give evidence, after pressure from bereaved relatives and the chair of the inquiry.

On Wednesday, the health secretary, Steve Barclay, told the House of Commons that continuing serious concerns about patient safety meant that conferring statutory powers on the inquiry was the only appropriate course of action".