Redfern
The Redfern Inquiry investigated the removal and analysis of organs from deceased nuclear workers in the UK between 1961 and 1992
The inquiry was triggered by a 2007 ministerial statement admitting that tissue had been taken from former employees of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL) between 1955 and 1992.
The report revealed that when nuclear workers died, pathologists—often at the request of the nuclear industry’s "medical officers"—would remove large quantities of human tissue, including lungs, livers, and even whole legs, during post-mortems. This was done to measure how much radioactive material (specifically plutonium) had been absorbed into the workers' bodies during their careers.
The investigation found that in almost every case, the families were never informed, nor was their consent sought. The inquiry blamed a "cosy" and "informal" relationship between the nuclear industry and local coroners (particularly in West Cumbria), where the industry’s scientific interests were allowed to override the law and the rights of the bereaved. Michael Redfern described the practice as "morally wrong" and noted that while the science was often sound, the "humanity was entirely missing."
Key numbers at a glance
16
Recommendations
24
Months to complete
6.4
Cost in millions (if known)
0
Deaths (direct)
Recommendations
Recommendation | Description |
Informed Consent | Strengthen requirements for obtaining informed consent for post-mortem organ retention |
Review of Coroners' System | Review and improve the coroners' system |
Bereavement Advisors | Develop bereavement advisor posts |
Joint Hospital/University Posts | Review arrangements for joint hospital/university posts |
Recommendation Category | Summary of Advice | Current Status (2026) |
Pathology Standards | Pathologists must strictly adhere to the Human Tissue Act 2004 regarding consent. | Implemented (Regulated by the Human Tissue Authority). |
Coroner Oversight | Coroners must be independent of industrial or scientific influence. | Implemented (Strengthened via the Coroners and Justice Act 2009). |
Archived Samples | A transparent process for identifying and, if requested, returning archived samples to families. | Implemented (National protocols established for the nuclear industry). |
Research Ethics | All research involving human tissue must have explicit ethical approval. | Implemented (Enforced by the Health Research Authority [HRA]). |
Apology & Redress | Formal government apologies and financial assistance for the affected families. | Achieved (The Secretary of State issued a formal apology in 2010).2 |
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Links to other resources
Resource | Web Address |
Redfern Inquiry - GOV.UK | |
The Redfern Inquiry Volume 1: Report HC 571-I | |
The Redfern Inquiry Volume 2: Summary HC 571-II |
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