Human Remains (Prohibition of Sale, Purchase and Advertising) Bill

Early day motion 2719, tabled 2 February 2026 by Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Labour). Signed by 9 members.

That this House notes with concern the increasing reports of human remains being sold through online marketplaces, in-person auctions, and curiosity and antique shops; recognises the serious ethical and moral implications of such practices, particularly when the origins of the remains cannot be determined; acknowledges that current UK legislation, including the Human Tissue Act 2004, does not adequately regulate the sale, purchase or advertising of human remains; welcomes the work of professional and sector bodies, including the British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology, in highlighting the harms caused by the commercial trade in human remains; supports measures to explicitly prohibit the commercial sale, purchase and advertising of human remains, including those of archaeological and historical significance; and calls on the Government to make time for the Human Remains (Prohibition of Sale, Purchase and Advertising) Bill to be debated.

Signatures by party: Labour 5, Green 2, DUP 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.