JULIE Love today welcomed a report by the Justice Committee which backs plans to reform fatal accident inquiry laws.

Julie, who gave evidence at Holyrood’s Justice Committee earlier this year, said she could now see “the end in sight” after years of leading the campaign to help families when loved ones die overseas.

The committee, published its Stage 1 report on the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths (Scotland) Bill today.

It supports the Bill but has urged the Scottish Government to consider improvements and increase public awareness of the purpose of fatal accident inquiries (FAIs).

If passed, the legislation would allow for FAIs to be held into the deaths of Scots abroad, bringing the country into line with England.

The committee has also asked the Government to consider an amendment that would allow an FAI to be undertaken where a death has occurred abroad but the body has not been repatriated.

Julie visited her son Colin’s grave in Glasgow yesterday to lay flowers after she received the news.

She said: “I’m actually quite emotional.

“It’s massive. When I saw the report coming through in my email I thought: 'It's almost here.'

"All those years of fighting and campaigning, I can see the end in sight.

“It has been a long time coming. If it can help any other family, save them from what I’ve been through and others, then it’s a good thing.”

Julie said the FAI laws could have implications on the families whose relatives were killed in Tunisia.

She said: “The Bill’s not complete yet but if that had been in place there would be post mortems when they come home, there would be an inquiry.

“The fact is it’s not in situ just now but it might make a difference.”

Julie said the charity DAYNA would continue to campaign.

She said: “I think there is still a bigger picture. All the organisations need to come together and work together – the police, the airports, the chaplain services, the insurance companies."

The committee report has asked the Government to reflect on the evidence received in areas such as the scope for mandatory FAIs, the employment status of service personnel, deaths abroad and repatriation, and access to justice for those families who have lost loved ones.

Committee Convener Christine Grahame MSP said: “The Committee supports the general principles of this Bill and welcomes the clarity this legislation brings to understanding the purpose of FAIs and what is meant by the inquiries which are held in the public interest.

“There are areas though where we feel the Bill could be improved. For example, what happens when a member of the armed forces dies while on duty in Scotland? This is something which the Scottish Government has committed to discuss with the UK Government as a direct result of our scrutiny.

“We have also asked the Government to consider bringing forward an amendment that would allow an FAI to be undertaken where a death has occurred abroad but the body has not been repatriated.

“And while we welcome the requirement that the Lord Advocate provide written reasons to a family for a decision not to hold an FAI, we believe this should be provided as a matter of routine and not only upon request."

The Scottish Government is due to respond in the coming months.