UK MP Urges Ban on Sale of Human Remains

Bell Ribeiro-Addy highlights legal loophole allowing online and auction sales of human remains.

The MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, has called on the UK government to close a loophole in the Human Tissues Act that allows the sale of human remains.
Ribeiro-Addy described the practice as 'depraved,' citing examples like a human thigh bone turned into a cane and a varnished skull of a six-year-old.
The Human Tissue Authority regulates the display of human remains but does not cover their sale, leaving a gap exploited by sellers on platforms like Instagram and Etsy.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner agreed the practice is 'abhorrent' and committed to discussing the issue with relevant ministers.
Critics argue the commodification of human remains perpetuates colonial legacies, with many items originating from indigenous communities in Africa and Asia.