Sir Keir Starmer Backs Change in Assisted Dying Law
Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer advocates for a potential change in assisted dying legislation, suggesting that Members of Parliament (MPs) should have the opportunity for a conscience vote on the issue.
Previously, in 2015, a bill permitting assisted dying was rejected in the UK Parliament, despite Sir Keir's support, alongside several Conservative cabinet members.
The topic has resurfaced following broadcaster Esther Rantzen's disclosure of her membership with the Dignitas assisted dying clinic in Switzerland and her ongoing treatment for advanced lung cancer. Rantzen has expressed her support for the right to choose one's time and manner of death.
Assisted suicide remains illegal in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Although there's no specific law against assisted suicide in Scotland, euthanasia might be considered murder or culpable homicide.
Sir Keir emphasized the sensitivity of the subject during a trip to Estonia and the importance of a free vote in Parliament, respecting the intense feelings held on both sides. He personally believes there are reasons to alter the law, historically addressed through a Private Members' Bill and a conscience vote.
The 2015 vote saw members of Sir Keir's current shadow cabinet supporting the defeated bill, while others, including deputy leader Angela Rayner, opposed it.
Meanwhile, some members of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet voted in favor, such as Mel Stride. With the shifting perspectives since then, the Liberal Democrats are open to revisiting the discussion in Parliament.
Alyssa Kearns, Foreign Affairs Select Committee Chair, noted a significant change in national and parliamentary sentiment toward assisted dying since 2015. She views the practice not as ending life but as reducing the duration of dying.
While Health Secretary Victoria Atkins refrained from commenting on this delicate matter, she acknowledged that Parliament and the MPs should decide, referencing the prior vote on a Private Members' Bill.
In Scotland, a bill on assisted dying introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur is set to be debated in the coming year. Furthermore, a report on assisted dying in England and Wales by the Health and Social Care Committee is pending, following an inquiry launched in December 2022 to explore the various perspectives on assisted dying and suicide.
The topic has resurfaced following broadcaster Esther Rantzen's disclosure of her membership with the Dignitas assisted dying clinic in Switzerland and her ongoing treatment for advanced lung cancer. Rantzen has expressed her support for the right to choose one's time and manner of death.
Assisted suicide remains illegal in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Although there's no specific law against assisted suicide in Scotland, euthanasia might be considered murder or culpable homicide.
Sir Keir emphasized the sensitivity of the subject during a trip to Estonia and the importance of a free vote in Parliament, respecting the intense feelings held on both sides. He personally believes there are reasons to alter the law, historically addressed through a Private Members' Bill and a conscience vote.
The 2015 vote saw members of Sir Keir's current shadow cabinet supporting the defeated bill, while others, including deputy leader Angela Rayner, opposed it.
Meanwhile, some members of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet voted in favor, such as Mel Stride. With the shifting perspectives since then, the Liberal Democrats are open to revisiting the discussion in Parliament.
Alyssa Kearns, Foreign Affairs Select Committee Chair, noted a significant change in national and parliamentary sentiment toward assisted dying since 2015. She views the practice not as ending life but as reducing the duration of dying.
While Health Secretary Victoria Atkins refrained from commenting on this delicate matter, she acknowledged that Parliament and the MPs should decide, referencing the prior vote on a Private Members' Bill.
In Scotland, a bill on assisted dying introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur is set to be debated in the coming year. Furthermore, a report on assisted dying in England and Wales by the Health and Social Care Committee is pending, following an inquiry launched in December 2022 to explore the various perspectives on assisted dying and suicide.
