The Terminally Ill (End of Life) Bill has passed, thanks to the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater bringing the motion forward to debate. However, while a recent YouGov poll (YouGov, 2023) put public support for assisted dying at 73%, this was not reflected in the vote, which saw 330 MPs in support of the bill and 275 against.
The bill was supported by most of the cabinet, with exceptions including Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister; Wes Streeting, Health Secretary; and David Lammy, Foreign Secretary. Outside of the Labour Party, those to oppose the bill included Reform Leader Nigel Farage, and Ed Davey, the leader of The Liberal Democrats. Supporters of the bill also included former Tory Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
“Today, MPs have voted for choice, safety and compassion. They have expressed the will of the British people and have made history. Now we must make the choice of assisted dying a reality” (Dignity in Dying, 2023).
In any respect, this is the most significant social policy in decades. However, it will face further scrutiny in parliament where it will again be brought forward to be debated for a final time in April. Should it eventually be approved by both parliament and the house of lords, it shall become law.
If it can get through all these stages, it would mean that the law would be changed to allow some terminally-ill adults – those expected to die within six months – to be able and allowed to choose when and how they die. Eligibility requires signed testimony from two independent doctors, and a High Court judge must also hear from one of these doctors. The judge may question the dying person or anyone else deemed relevant.
On a personal note, I am relieved that this bill passed. I have previously written for the badger on this topic – so I make no attempt to hide my position.
I truly believe that autonomy and dignity are fundamental to any modern, liberal society and democracy. For too long the reality for those diagnosed with a terminal illness has meant that one must not only accept the reality of their condition, but the legal requirement to see it through to the bitter end. No matter the discomfort. No matter the pain or suffering. No matter their wishes.
There are genuine concerns that if this bill were eventually made into law, vulnerable people could be coerced or exploited into making the decision to prematurely end their life. And there is a philosophical debate around allowing a state permission to execute its citizens, however, these arguments should be used to help shape this law. Not outright reject it.
Not to mention the fact that after 13 years of Tory Austerity, palliative care (alongside most of the NHS) has been decimated, so for some people, this may influence their decision.
I am sympathetic to these positions, but these safeguarding concerns are not enough to change my mind.
References
BBC News (2019) Assisted dying: What does the law in the UK say? Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47158287 (Accessed: 2 December 2024).
BBC News (2023) Assisted dying law debated in Parliament. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2l7m6r55do (Accessed: 2 December 2024).
Disability News Service (2023) Disabled people’s organisations unite to oppose assisted suicide bill that has far-reaching implications. Available at: https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/disabled-peoples-organisations-unite-to-oppose-assisted-suicide-bill-that-has-far-reaching-implications/ (Accessed: 2 December 2024).
Dignity in Dying (2023) This is a historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying people. Available at: https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/news/this-is-a-historic-step-towards-greater-choice-and-protection-for-dying-people/ (Accessed: 2 December 2024).
YouGov (2023) Three-quarters support assisted dying law. Available at: https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/50989-three-quarters-support-assisted-dying-law (Accessed: 2 December 2024).