‘UK on the brink of assisted dying law change’ as Prime Minister doubles down on commitment to time for debate
The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has “doubled down” on his commitment to a free vote on and making time for an assisted dying bill in an interview with LBC this morning (Friday 12 July). This follows Sir Keir’s commitment in March to Dame Esther Rantzen – a vocal advocate for law change following her diagnosis of stage four lung cancer – that he would ensure parliamentary time for debate, and reaffirmed his longstanding personal support for legalisation.
Sir Keir also referenced his time as Director of Public Prosecutions, when he personally made dozens of decisions on whether to prosecute people for compassionately helping their loved ones to end their own lives. Prompted by the Dignity in Dying-supported case of Debbie Purdy, Sir Keir was also head of the CPS when it set out factors prosecutors should take into account in favour and against prosecution in cases of ‘assisting or encouraging a suicide’. This includes that a prosecution would be less likely if the deceased individual had reached a voluntary, settled and informed decision to end their life and if the suspect was motivated wholly by compassion.
Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:
“We welcome the Prime Minister’s recommitment to time for the debate – it’s clear that assisted dying is firmly on the political agenda and we are on the brink of change. Making parliamentary time available for a bill is critical to it being able to pass all its parliamentary stages and achieve a reform that this country needs. The public have long been calling for change, and the mood in Westminster is finally catching up.
“For as long as we do not change the law, dying people will continue to suffer despite excellent palliative care care, with many forced into taking matters in their own hands, both in Switzerland at huge cost and here in the UK using dangerous methods. MPs need only look at the mounting evidence from countries like Australia and New Zealand that this law works safely and compassionately. Protection is at the very heart of these proposals.
“Three British Isles jurisdictions are already tackling this issue and are on the cusp of historic change. Westminster must follow in their footsteps and ensure a free and fair debate happens as soon as possible. Dying people do not have time to wait.”
During the election period, parliamentary candidates across the country received over 66,400 emails from members of the public declaring ‘Dignity Has My Vote’ and asking how would-be MPs would vote on a future assisted dying bill. The issue was also raised in election hustings across the country, with strong support from across the political spectrum.
The news comes after Dignity in Dying announced its new Chair as former senior Labour MP, Paul Blomfield, who served Sheffield Central constituency for 14 years before standing down at the General Election. Mr Blomfield has spoken movingly about the tragic death of his 87-year-old father, who took his own life after a diagnosis of terminal lung cancer in 2011. Mr Blomfield has campaigned within Parliament ever since to reform laws that force dying people to suffer against their wishes, take matters into their own hands or travel abroad to die at exorbitant cost.
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For more information or interview requests, please email Tom Steen, Media and Campaigns Support Officer at Dignity in Dying, tom.steen@dignityindying.org.uk or call 07855209809.
