Hopes rise for Marchioness inquiry

The Marchioness Action Group emerged optimistic after a face-to- face meeting with Transport Minister Glenda Jackson yesterday to discuss the possibility of a public inquiry into the Thames tragedy in which 51 people died.

More than eight years after the pleasure boat Marchioness collided with dredger Bowbelle, some nine members of the group spent over an hour with Ms Jackson and said: "We are one step closer to what we want."

A survivor's mother, Barbara Davis, said: "We feel the Government understands the points we are trying to make."

Ms Jackson said: "This was a useful discussion and I will now carefully consider the points that the Marchioness Action Group made, and whether there is the justification for a formal investigation."