Over 40,000 Demand Government Block Public Funding for Ian Huntley's Funeral
The Justice Secretary is facing mounting pressure to act as a petition calling on the government to block taxpayer money from being used to fund Ian Huntley's funeral or memorial service has hit a significant milestone.
The demand has surpassed 40,000 signatures in less than 48 hours, highlighting widespread public outrage over the issue.
Prison Service Protocol Under Scrutiny
A long-standing Ministry of Justice scheme requires the prison service to contribute up to £3,000 of public money towards funeral costs for any prisoner who dies in custody.
Prison protocol also mandates a memorial service organised through the prison chaplaincy, regardless of the prisoner's crimes.
Carly Batley, aged 47 and from Deal in Kent, launched the petition on Change.org against taxpayers' cash being used in such a way for Huntley.
Petition Demands Immediate Action
The petition — titled Do not use public money to fund a funeral or memorial for Ian Huntley — calls on the Ministry of Justice to:
- Waive the £3,000 funeral contribution for Huntley
- Cancel any planned prison memorial service
- Review whether death-in-custody provisions should automatically apply to those convicted of the most serious crimes against children
Carly said: "There were so many missed opportunities with Huntley. He should never ever have been allowed anywhere near children. The system failed Holly and Jessica and their families, and they deserve better now."
Background of the Case
Ian Huntley murdered ten-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in August 2002.
He was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years and died in hospital on Saturday, March 7 after being attacked in the workshop at HMP Frankland, Durham.
His death has renewed public debate about whether protections designed for prisoners in custody should apply to those convicted of the most serious crimes.
Family Opposition to Funeral
Huntley's daughter, Samantha Bryan, has made clear she does not believe her father deserves a funeral or a grave.
The 27-year-old, who only discovered Huntley was her father while researching a school project at 14, said: "He shouldn't have the dignity of a funeral and grave. I will not be going. A funeral is pointless for a man like him."
The petition's rapid growth reflects broader concerns about the appropriateness of using public funds for such purposes in high-profile cases of heinous crimes.
