SDLP opposes 'secret inquest' act

Mr Durkan said the new law would not be confined to terrorist cases

The SDLP has challenged government plans to allow some inquests to be held in secret.

The move, which is part of the Counter-terrorism Bill, would allow ministers to replace coroners with their own appointees.

The SDLP leader, Mark Durkan, said he believed that if the legislation was pushed through, it would be extended to Northern Ireland.

He said it would have implications for outstanding cases in Northern Ireland.

"There is a completely new provision in this legislation," Mr Durkan said.

"It's not confined to terrorist cases, whereby the secretary of state will be able to appoint a special coronor to hold a secret inquest in relation to any death where they think that's in the public interest.

"If they get it through in this bill, they will very quickly then extend it to Northern Ireland.

"That has huge implications for the outstanding cases in Northern Ireland in which there have never been inquest held."