The decision to change burial measures in coronavirus emergency legislation has been welcomed.

Today, the UK Government tabled an amendment to the COVID-19 emergency legislation which removes the original requirement for cremation in some cases, regardless of the faith of the individual.

Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West, initially tabled an amendment to change this, which the Government conceded to and tabled its own similar amendment.

Ms Shah said today, "I'm so relieved that the Government have listened to what we've said about religious burials for Muslim and Jewish people and have brought forward an amendment to address our concerns. I don't need to push my amendment to a vote. Thank you so much to everyone for your support!"

Harun Khan, Secretary General of the MCB said, “The Muslim Council of Britain warmly welcomes the UK Government’s amendment which recognises the importance of ensuring faith communities are able to bury the deceased instead of cremating in the event of significant deaths due to Coronavirus.

“During this national crisis, we are appreciative of this reassurance by our government and its important efforts to listen to and worth constructively with faith communities.

“We pay tribute to the hard work of Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West, for raising the issue alongside others, and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims for mobilising support for this important change across the House, and we also thank those MPs who support the amendment.

“The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to present unprecedented challenges, and at a time of national crisis, this type of constructive engagement will continue to yield positive results for the whole of society.”