WE welcome the announcement that the inquest into the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Dodi al Fayed is to be held in front of a jury.

It is not because we subscribe to the wild conspiracy theories that Diana and Dodi were the victims of state agents controlled by the Duke of Edinburgh.

It is because we believe that those theories need to be put to rest along with the Princess and Mohamed al Fayed's son.

The best way to do that is to ensure that the process of investigating the tragedy is as public and transparent as possible.

And, with due respect to Baroness Butler-Sloss, whose decision that she would sit alone at the inquest has been overturned, there needs to be a greater sense of independence and distance from "the establishment".

We fully expect the verdict from the jury will be that Diana and Dodi died as a result of a terrible accident and, as is provided for under the Coroners Court Act, recommendations will almost certainly be made about the contemptible actions of the paparazzi which were a contributory factor.

It is ten years this year since the accident in Paris led to one of the biggest news events of the last century. It is shameful that it has taken so long for a line to be drawn under such a sad and bitter episode.

An inquest in front of the jury is the way for that line to be finally drawn.