The political row over government plans to hold some inquests in private is rumbling on with the National Union of Journalists expressing stong opposition to the move.

Last week the House of Lords voted down proposals contained in the Coroners and Justice Bill that would allow ministers to order that some inquests be held in secret.

But ministers have vowed to bring the measure back in the House of Commons and the NUJ has promised to step up campaigning against the move.

General secretary Jeremy Dear said: “All inquests should continue to be open to the press and public. It is only by that level of public scrutiny that people can be assured there has been a proper investigation into the deaths of their loved-ones.

“This idea is an attack on the basic principle of open justice and open scrutiny of state institutions. The NUJ will be working with MPs and others to oppose this authoritarian measure.”

However the union has welcomed a statement by the UK government about stopping the use of so-called “super injunctions” to gag the press.

Concerns grew after an injunction stopped the Guardian from reporting a parliamentary question by Labour MP and NUJ member Paul Farrelly.

Said Jeremy: “The NUJ welcomes the announcement that the UK government is looking to stop this practice. We urge them to do it as soon as possible.”