London - Families of the victims of the serial killer GP Harold Shipman have won their High Court battle for an open inquiry into how their loved ones came to die.
About 113 families were granted court orders yesterday forcing the British Health Secretary, Mr Alan Milburn, to reconsider his decision that evidence at the independent inquiry should be heard behind closed doors.
The landmark ruling, unless overturned on appeal, will make it virtually impossible for Mr Milburn not to give the families what they want - a fully open inquiry.