Well, after the warning light for the Hood/Hatch on my 2004 Cooper S came on and wouldn't go out, I decided to try to find the problem. I found an old thread where it was the switch on the hood latch, but disconnecting the wire from the switch didn't help, so I went to the hatch. First I couldn't get the inner panel off as I didn't have the right tool to pop the clips after removing the screws, so I took the pc above the license plate loose and again, could not see how to get the wire plug loose from the panel and gave up for the time being. So after putting it back and closing the hatch, now the light has gone off. So, typical, I messed with it without finding the problem only to have the problem go away. So, I'm sure it will be back.

 

Mine was always on when I bought my car , I needed to adjust the trunk stop so that it closed correctly to trip the sensor.. you may want to look into that

 

What is the trunk stop?

 

the latch mechanism, it can be loosened and slid around to adjust the depth in which the trunk will latch shut, alot of times over time it gets knocked back and just needs to be slid forward a little
if you'd like I can take a pic of what I mean to better explain

 

there is also a process for adjusting the hatch in the Bentley iirc

 

I have the same problem, also having the broken lock I replaced it but the light is always on, it's annoying how can I turn it off? what is the meaning and can I disconnect it or make an electrical bridge to trick it? thanks

 

Interesting.
A couple of months ago my hood/hatch light came on while I was out on a fun little roadtrip.
After a few unsuccessful attempts trying to determine whether the hood or hatch to be the cause. I finally decided that given the amount of dirt and grease in the rear hatch latch catch was most likely at fault.
I spotted and pulled into an auto parts store and bought a can of degreaser and carb/brake cleaner. I liberally sprayed down the dirt/grime in catch with the cleaners which resolved the issue.
No open hood/hatch dash light!

 

thanks I'll try but having changed the whole lock I don't think it's that

 

With you having replaced the latch with a new one - you're probably right. Cleaning the new one probably won't help.
Mine was just about as dirty as your old one pictured above. The latch was secure (locked), but I guess I was lucky that the grime was impeding a good electrical connection and nothing mechanically wrong.

I hope you can get it sorted out.

 

the photo is of the new lock although actually used, however I sprayed the spray on both the front and rear locks but unfortunately the light does not go out