MP Barry Gardiner questioned the government on its part in the failure of Independent Insurance during an adjournment debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday (July 4).

Gardiner, the Labour MP for Brent North, questioned the Treasury about the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) role in regulating the collapsed insurer.

He also asked Economic Secretary to the Treasury Ruth Kelly about the role of Independent's auditors KPMG and actuaries Watson Wyatt.

Gardiner, who worked in finance in the City prior to going into politics, also tabled questions about the insurer last week.

He asked what discussions the Treasury had had with the FSA during the past year about the insurer's cash flow and rising profits.

He also queried what discussions the FSA had had with KPMG about its role as external auditors and its assessment of the adequacy of Independent's reserves.

Gardiner asked the Chancellor for a statement on the Serious Fraud Office's (SFO) investigation into the company and what investigations he planned to make to ensure that all claims had been properly entered into its accounting system.

He also asked whether the FSA had met with former Independent chief executive Michael Bright during the past 12 months.

Kelly said that it would be inappropriate to answer the questions while the SFO was conducting an investigation into the company.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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