- Keir Starmer supports assisted suicide
- Esther Rantzen’s Dignitas consideration
- Shift in views since 2015
According to Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer, “reasons for amending the law” exist regarding assisted suicide.
MPs should have the opportunity to vote with their consciences on the issue, according to Sir Keir.
The 2015 defeat of a measure to legalize assisted dying in the United Kingdom was opposed by Sir Keir and several Conservative cabinet members.
Following the announcement by Esther Rantzen that she had enrolled in the Dignitas assisted dying clinic, the matter is currently the subject of discourse.
The 83-year-old broadcaster disclosed that she is undergoing a “miracle” treatment for lung cancer in its fourth stage.
She stated, “I might dash off to Zurich,” where assisted dying is lawful if the attempt fails.
The broadcaster stated that if she were to opt for Dignitas for an assisted death, “my family and friends would be in a difficult position because they would want to go with me, which could result in them being prosecuted by the police.”
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, assisted suicide is illegal and carries a maximum prison term of fourteen years. Although assisted suicide is not a distinct criminal offense in Scotland, the practice of euthanasia is deemed unlawful. It may face prosecution as murder or culpable homicide.
In 2015, Sir Keir endorsed a terminally sick suicide bill as a backbencher. A total of 118 votes opposed the bill, or 330 to 118.
Sir Keir told broadcasters in Estonia that politicians “must exercise caution” while discussing such a serious issue.
He stated that if MPs were to revisit the issue, it ought to be decided by a free vote, as he “respected” the “strong views” on both sides.
Sir Keir stated, “In my opinion, there are valid reasons to consider amending the law.”
This has traditionally been addressed via a Private Members’ Bill and a free vote, which I believe is appropriate.
In the House of Commons, MPs can vote on their own preferences without party affiliation.
A “fundamental change”
The 2015 terminally ill suicide legislation failed 330 to 118 in the House of Commons.
Eleven members of parliament (MPs) who are now members of Sir Keir’s shadow cabinet supported the measure in the 2015 vote, while eight, including deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner, opposed it.
Eight years ago, three members of Rishi Sunak’s cabinet voted in favor of assisted suicide. This included Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride.
Now, there are uncertainties regarding the potential date of the subsequent referendum. Liberal Democrats have stated that they would be open to debate and a free vote in the legislature.
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Since 2015, according to Ms. Kearns, chairman of the foreign affairs select committee, “a fundamental shift has occurred not only in the nation but also in parliament.”
“The number of my counterparts who declare, ‘I’ve reflected, my views have evolved’… “I firmly believe that the national dialogue has shifted,” she continued, adding, “Assisted dying, in my opinion, is not about terminating life; rather, it is about reducing its duration.”
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins also refrained from disclosing her stance on the exceedingly delicate matter.
“That must be the responsibility of parliament and individual Members of Parliament,” she stated, noting that the previous vote was on a Private Members’ Bill.
Acts are presently being introduced in the Scottish Parliament by Liam McArthur, a member of the Liberal Democrat Party. Holyrood is scheduled to hear the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill the following year.
After initiating an investigation in December 2022 to examine the various facets of the assisted dying and assisted suicide debate in England and Wales, the Health and Social Care Committee is expected to release its report on the subject shortly.
