Calls for Urgent Regulation in the Funeral Industry Intensify After Disturbing Revelations
Published 29 August 2025
Highlights
- MP Mark Sewards is advocating for statutory regulation of the funeral industry in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland following distressing cases.
- A BBC investigation revealed that Amie Upton, a funeral director, kept babies' bodies at her home, prompting calls for stricter oversight.
- In Hull, funeral director Robert Bush faces charges after bodies were found uncremated, highlighting the need for industry reform.
- Scotland has already implemented a statutory code of conduct for funeral directors, unlike other UK regions.
- The National Association of Funeral Directors and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors support regulatory changes.
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Rewritten Article
Calls for Urgent Regulation in the Funeral Industry Intensify After Disturbing Revelations
The funeral industry in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is under intense scrutiny following shocking revelations of misconduct, prompting calls for urgent statutory regulation. The push for reform comes after a BBC investigation uncovered distressing practices by funeral director Amie Upton, who was found to have kept babies' bodies at her home. This incident has sparked outrage and demands for tighter oversight.
Disturbing Cases Emerge
The case of Amie Upton, who runs Florrie's Army baby loss support and funeral service, has drawn significant attention. Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust barred Upton from its facilities after discovering that a deceased infant had been placed in a baby bouncer in her living room. Despite positive reviews from some clients, the trust had raised serious concerns with authorities over the years. West Yorkshire Police investigated but found no criminal activity.
In a separate incident in Hull, the family of Danny Middleton was shocked to learn that his body was found uncremated at a funeral home, despite having received ashes purported to be his. Funeral director Robert Bush has been charged with multiple counts of preventing lawful burial and fraud. His case is set for a hearing on October 15.
Growing Calls for Reform
MP Mark Sewards, representing Leeds South West and Morley, has been vocal in demanding regulatory changes. He emphasized the need for statutory regulation to prevent such "horrific" incidents from recurring. Sewards pledged to hold the government accountable for implementing necessary reforms, with an interim report expected by summer 2026.
The call for regulation is supported by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). Both organizations have voluntary codes of conduct and conduct regular inspections, but membership is not mandatory, leaving gaps in oversight.
A Path Forward
While Scotland has already established a statutory code of conduct for funeral directors, the rest of the UK lags behind. Michaela Baldwin, whose family was affected by the Hull incident, expressed disbelief at the lack of regulation, comparing it to the ease of opening a sandwich shop. The government has acknowledged the need for reform and is considering options to enhance industry standards.
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Scenario Analysis
The push for statutory regulation in the funeral industry could lead to significant changes in how funeral services operate across the UK. If implemented, these regulations could ensure higher standards and accountability, preventing future misconduct. However, the process may face delays, as seen with the government's slow response to previous recommendations. Industry experts warn that without swift action, public trust in funeral services may erode further. As the legal proceedings against Robert Bush unfold, they may serve as a catalyst for more immediate regulatory action.
The funeral industry in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is under intense scrutiny following shocking revelations of misconduct, prompting calls for urgent statutory regulation. The push for reform comes after a BBC investigation uncovered distressing practices by funeral director Amie Upton, who was found to have kept babies' bodies at her home. This incident has sparked outrage and demands for tighter oversight.
Disturbing Cases Emerge
The case of Amie Upton, who runs Florrie's Army baby loss support and funeral service, has drawn significant attention. Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust barred Upton from its facilities after discovering that a deceased infant had been placed in a baby bouncer in her living room. Despite positive reviews from some clients, the trust had raised serious concerns with authorities over the years. West Yorkshire Police investigated but found no criminal activity.
In a separate incident in Hull, the family of Danny Middleton was shocked to learn that his body was found uncremated at a funeral home, despite having received ashes purported to be his. Funeral director Robert Bush has been charged with multiple counts of preventing lawful burial and fraud. His case is set for a hearing on October 15.
Growing Calls for Reform
MP Mark Sewards, representing Leeds South West and Morley, has been vocal in demanding regulatory changes. He emphasized the need for statutory regulation to prevent such "horrific" incidents from recurring. Sewards pledged to hold the government accountable for implementing necessary reforms, with an interim report expected by summer 2026.
The call for regulation is supported by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). Both organizations have voluntary codes of conduct and conduct regular inspections, but membership is not mandatory, leaving gaps in oversight.
A Path Forward
While Scotland has already established a statutory code of conduct for funeral directors, the rest of the UK lags behind. Michaela Baldwin, whose family was affected by the Hull incident, expressed disbelief at the lack of regulation, comparing it to the ease of opening a sandwich shop. The government has acknowledged the need for reform and is considering options to enhance industry standards.
What this might mean
The push for statutory regulation in the funeral industry could lead to significant changes in how funeral services operate across the UK. If implemented, these regulations could ensure higher standards and accountability, preventing future misconduct. However, the process may face delays, as seen with the government's slow response to previous recommendations. Industry experts warn that without swift action, public trust in funeral services may erode further. As the legal proceedings against Robert Bush unfold, they may serve as a catalyst for more immediate regulatory action.
