Many of you have written in to me about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and that is as it should be, given the very serious nature of the bill.
I wanted to take the time to explain my opposition to this legislation.
I understand why many people feel so passionately about their right to die, when suffering from a terminal illness. Under the existing system, people endure real, lasting and unbearable pain. That includes those who are seriously or terminally ill, as well as those around them. Nobody should face indignity in death.
Any legislation of this kind must robustly safeguard against abuse, and guarantee that those who are seriously ill would not feel coerced or pressured to prematurely end their life. I am not satisfied that this legislation provides these safeguards – and that is why I cannot support it.
Choice at the end of life can only be meaningful in a system where everybody has access to the best palliative care possible, but chronic under-funding has left many of those suffering from terminal illness without the support they need. Without addressing these deficiencies, this legislation puts the poorest, the elderly and disabled people at risk of serious neglect and discrimination.
We urgently need to address the appalling state of palliative care by reversing years of austerity and privatisation. This should be part of a broader imperative to build a National Care Service, freely available to all who need it, whenever they need it, wherever they need it. This would be a care system that treats those with serious illnesses and disabilities not as burdens but as people whose lives have equal worth.
As history shows us, legislation on complex matters can have serious societal repercussions. I do not believe today’s procedures allow for the kind of debate and scrutiny that is required for legislation of this importance. I would welcome an independent review on the existing law and a public consultation on proposals for change.
As always, I remain open to people’s views on this important issue, and indeed I appreciate receiving them.
There is much to be done to guarantee care and dignity for all and we must get on and do it, and without delay. Let that be what we take from this debate.
