Nick Smith MP has welcomed news that inquests will be held into deaths of patients at care homes investigated as part of Operation Jasmine.

The Gwent Coroner has confirmed to First Minister Carwyn Jones that he is working towards the inquests after the Independent Review into the case recommended them.

The Blaenau Gwent MP, whose campaigning in Parliament led to changes in the law that could see care home owners prosecuted for neglect under their care, said:  “Speaking to families involved in Operation Jasmine, it was clear they wanted justice and accountability.”

“The damning Independent Review earlier this year was an important step, but its judgement left us wondering why something hadn’t been done before.

“The fact the coroners are taking this report very seriously and opening inquests is a welcome and I believe necessary move.

“The families of Jasmine and across the country need to see that those in power will work tirelessly, go to the ends of the earth if needed, to ferret out wrongdoing and not let shocking treatment go unpunished.

“For my part, I will be continuing to campaign in Parliament and support the hard work of the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales as she works to ensure older people get the protections they deserve.”

For more information, visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-34454033