Lord Falconer of Thoroton’s “Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill [HL] “ has been published in the House of Lords, the text of the Bill is available here. 

The second reading of the Bill, which is when members of the House of Lords will debate and vote on it, will take place on Friday 15 November.

My Death, My Decision welcomes the Bill for initiating a much-needed debate that has overwhelming public support. Nevertheless, the law if passed will extend only to terminally ill people and does not extend to those with incurable conditions like multiple sclerosis or locked-in syndrome – the latter being a key focus of our campaign. 

Here’s our analysis of the Bill with our suggestions as to how it could be made more compassionate.

Terminal Illness

In order to qualify as ‘terminally ill’ under the Bill, a person must have a prognosis of six months or fewer to live.

Such a narrow constraint is all the more surprising, given that proposed laws in other jurisdictions around these islands are broader: Scotland has no time limit; Jersey specifies six months generally but twelve for neurodegenerative conditions; and the Isle of Man specifies a maximum twelve months prognosis for all applicants. 

But restricting the Bill to just the terminally ill is problematic in itself as it discriminates against individuals who suffer from incurable conditions causing intolerable suffering but which are not terminal illnesses, as mentioned below. A more compassionate and inclusive law would embrace people who are so suffering – and for whom we campaign. 

Conditions like paralysis from traumatic incidents (e.g. car accidents), locked-in syndrome, ataxia, severe spinal stenosis, and other spinal issues are not classified as terminal by medical professionals. Additionally, diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, progressive supranuclear palsy, and motor neurone disease may not be deemed terminal, or the diagnosis of terminal status may come too late, when the patient is already enduring significant pain or has lost mental capacity.

The requirement of a high court judge

The requirement for a High Court judge to approve assisted dying requests is an excessive and burdensome barrier and in fact came about in an earlier Bill due to a legal misunderstanding (see Professor Penney Lewis’s essay which explains it).

Not one of the 31 jurisdictions around the world with legal assisted dying requires this. This may cause significant delays, cost and bureaucracy while adding undue stress to terminally ill patients seeking a dignified end to their suffering. Why?

The patient must take the life-ending medication themselves.

The Bill says the patient must take the life-ending drugs themselves, they can’t have a doctor administer them. This places the burden on the dying person. As can be seen from other jurisdictions, allowing doctors to administer the medication ensures a more humane and controlled process, safeguarding the dignity and well-being of the person during their final moments. This whole debate is about individual choice, so why not give them the choice?

In New Zealand, 92% of patients opted for an injection administered by a healthcare professional. In 2022 across Canada there were 13,241 assisted deaths, but fewer than seven deaths were self-administered. 

The Bill has welcome provisions against coercion

The Bill’s strict rules against coercion are crucial for protecting vulnerable people from being pressured into their end-of-life choices. The harsh penalties for anyone who tries to force or manipulate someone into seeking an assisted death show how serious the Bill is about keeping these decisions voluntary and well-thought-out. This helps make sure that assisted dying is a choice made freely by the patient.

This Bill ensures the government keeps a close eye on assisted dying.

The Bill’s plan for a mandatory review after five years is a way to see how well the law is working. This review gives a chance to address any issues, listen to feedback from those involved, and make changes to better help terminally ill patients. It shows a commitment to constantly improving and being responsive to how the law is actually used in real life.

The law should however also include provision for a review as to its scope, so that consideration is given as to whether the law should be extended to enable the incurably suffering to ask for help.

What happens next?

Keir Starmer recently doubled down on his vow to give the bill enough parliamentary time to pass, but it’s unclear whether this will apply to a Bill in the House of Lords. Laws that are started by MPs from the elected House have a much better chance of success.

Lord Falconer made a previous attempt to change the law in 2014 but it failed due to the impending General Election in 2015, despite passing the Second Reading in the House of Lords. This Bill will likely need government help if it is not to run out of time.

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision said:

“We commend Lord Falconer for his valiant efforts to move the assisted dying debate forward in the House of Lords. Everyone close to this issue is united in wanting change – we can all surely agree that the current law is inhumane.

Nevertheless, it’s regrettable that this Bill will restrict assisted dying to people who are terminally ill, with a narrow criterion of six months or fewer to live. Politicians must have the opportunity to debate a bill that allows the choice to adults who are suffering unbearably but not necessarily terminally ill – people with conditions like Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. People who are suffering like that deserve choice, just as much as people who are terminally ill.”

Notes

Media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

My Death, My Decision is proud to launch a Northern Ireland section today. Led by Gavin Walker, this regional group will begin to lay the foundations for a compassionate assisted dying law in Northern Ireland.

Assisting anyone to die is illegal under Section 13 of the Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 1966. 

If anyone would like to join My Death, My Decision Northern Ireland, please contact mdmd.nireland@gmail.com or join their Facebook group.

The special Oireachtas committee in the Republic of Ireland recommended back in March that legislation should be introduced to allow for assisted dying. An important consequence of a law in the Republic is that Irish citizens (or ordinary residents for twelve months) would be eligible. This would allow Northern Irish applicants to be able to access an assisted death in the Republic under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1956 and the Good Friday Agreement.

Gavin Walker, Chair of My Death, My Decision Northern Ireland, said:

“The recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee – alongside progress on Assisted Dying legislation in Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man – means Northern Ireland must now engage in a debate to determine the best way forward on this issue. My Death, My Decision Northern Ireland will work to ensure that when legislation is brought forward it reflects the wishes of the people of Northern Ireland and is not a knee-jerk reaction to legal changes in neighbouring jurisdictions.”

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:

“We are delighted to launch this new regional branch of our grassroots campaign group. The people of Northern Ireland shouldn’t have Westminster or the Oireachtas choose what options they have at the end of their lives, it’s right that they decide on a compassionate law for themselves. No one should be forced to suffer against their will. ”

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill passes key vote

The Isle of Man moved one step closer to a compassionate assisted dying law today, as Dr Alex Allinson’s Assisted Dying Bill passed the third reading, 16 to 8. My Death, My Decision welcomes this historic move.  

The House of Keys, the lower house of Tynwald, Isle of Man’s parliament, made several amendments to the Bill published in May.

• People who have been given 12 months left to live by a doctor will be eligible, rather than the originally proposed six months 
• Patients must be a resident of the Isle of Man for a minimum of five years, rather than one year. 
• Doctors will not be allowed to administer assisted dying, patients will have to take medication themselves.

Regrettably, the law will not extend the choice of help to die to the incurably suffering, who are not necessarily terminally ill. That means that those suffering unbearably from conditions like Huntington’s or Locked-in Syndrome will be denied the option to end their suffering.

The debate’s earlier session heard an emotional plea against the referendum amendment from Sue Biggerstaff whose late husband Simon suffered a horrific death from motor neurone disease (MND). Simon’s life, as he endured paralysis from the neck down within just two months of his diagnosis, ended in avoidable pain and suffering. 

Mrs Biggerstaff told politicians: “There was a total loss of dignity. He couldn’t speak properly, couldn’t do anything… There were so many horrible, horrible things happening to him. Nobody should have to live through it. It’s just awful. Awful.”

The Bill will now go onto the Legislative Council, the Isle of Man’s upper chamber, for further debate. It could then receive Royal Assent in 2025, followed by consideration of how the law will be implemented. Assisted dying could potentially be available to terminally ill people from 2027.

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision said:

“Today we have seen historic developments as the Isle of Man moves toward a compassionate option for people at the end of their life. We hope politicians in England and Wales look towards the Island as a positive example when the issue comes up for debate in Westminster before too long.

At My Death, My Decision we believe that competent adults who are intolerably suffering from incurable conditions  – like locked-in syndrome, or for example paralysed after an accident – deserve the choice of an assisted, dignified death. That is what we will continue to campaign for.”

Notes

Media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

An Assisted Dying Bill has been introduced in the House of Lords. Lord Falconer of Thoroton was chosen second in the ballot to introduce the “Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill [HL] “, which will have it’s first reading on Friday 26 July. My Death, My Decision welcomes the bill for initiating a much-needed debate. However, we are disappointed that it is limited to terminally ill patients and does not extend to those with incurable conditions like multiple sclerosis or locked-in syndrome.

Since it was drawn second, the Bill is likely to be debated over the coming year. If it receives sufficient support, it could become law. Keir Starmer recently doubled down on his vow to give the bill enough parliamentary time to pass.

Lord Falconer made a previous attempt to change the law in 2014 but it failed due to the impending General Election in 2015, despite passing the Second Reading in the House of Lords. 

Currently, assisting someone to end their life is a criminal offence in England and Wales, carrying a maximum prison sentence of up to fourteen years. However, if the Assisted Dying Bill becomes law, people suffering from terminal illnesses could be helped to die provided they reached a voluntary decision. Previous attempts to change the law included the need for an independent judge.

However, this Bill has already limited itself just to terminally adults. This means politicians won’t even have the opportunity to debate whether people who are not terminally ill should have access to an assisted dying. This means people with conditions like mutlple sclerosis and locked-in syndrome will be banned from accessing the law. 

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision said:

“We welcome that changing the law on assisted dying will soon come before Parliament, particularly in light of the Prime Minister’s assurance that the government will ensure proper time for a debate and vote on the issue.

Nevertheless, in being restricted to the terminally ill, the Bill risks discriminating against those suffering unbearably from incurable conditions, like Huntington’s and Locked-in Syndrome, so we will continue to campaign on their behalf.This could be the beginning of the end of a successful campaign to give people compassion and autonomy.”

Notes

Media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

We now have a new parliament, with a radically different makeup from the last one. So what does that mean for assisted dying?

Members of Parliament:

One of the rare things that all political parties seem to agree on, is that assisted dying should be a free vote. Most votes on laws in the UK are government bills, introduced by the people in power, and are ‘whipped’, meaning the parties tell their politicians how to vote. 

Assisted dying is different. A change in the law will most likely have to be introduced by an individual MP, rather than the government, and it will be a free vote, meaning each MP will be able to vote on it with their ‘conscience’.

This election has led to one of the newest parliaments in our history. 

The last vote on assisted dying was nearly a decade ago, and MPs voted overwhelmingly against it. 329 against, 117 in favour, a difference of 213.

• 210 Conservative MPs voted against, only 27 voted in favour.
• 91 Labour MPs voted against, 72 voted in favour.
• 3 Liberal Democrat MPs voted against, three in favour.
• 11 SNP MPs voted against, 14 in favour.

Our new parliament now has a Labour majority, with 412 Labour MPs, completely changing the political makeup. Back in 2015, we can see the difference between Labour MPs voting for and against was a lot closer.

There are now 71 Liberal Democrat MPs. The Liberal Democrat Party have a policy to support assisted dying for the terminally ill, but as mentioned, MPs would still have a free vote on this. There are similarly four new Green MPs, with the Green Party also having a policy of supporting assisted dying.

So looking at the number of MPs alone, an assisted dying law should have a considerably better chance of passing.

Changes since the last vote:

It’s worth remembering that there have been enormous changes since the last vote on assisted dying.

Medical opinion has changed massively since the last vote. In 2021 the British Medical Association (BMA), the largest doctors’ union in the UK, moved to a neutral position, after 50% of its members believed there should be a change in the law. 

The Royal Colleges of Nursing, Surgeons, Physicians, Psychiatrists and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society all hold neutral positions on assisted dying.

A year-long inquiry into assisted dying by parliament, which published its final report in February 2024, said end-of-life care can be improved by introducing assisted dying. It said: 

‘In the evidence we received, we did not see any indications of palliative and end-of-life care deteriorating in quality or provision following the introduction [of assisted dying]; indeed the introduction of [assisted dying] has been linked with an improvement in palliative care in several jurisdictions.’

There’s more data on assisted dying than ever before. According to the Office of Health Economics, in the UK, even if every dying person who needed it had access to good quality palliative care, 6,394 people per year would still have no effective pain relief in the final three months of their life. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) released a report that showed serious health conditions more than double suicide rates.

It’s has become ever clearer that assisted dying is the most compassionate way forward as an end-of-life choice for those who wish it.

Prime Minister:

During the last vote on assisted dying, the then Prime Minister David Cameron indicated he was not in favour.

Britain’s new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, became the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in 2008. The DPP leads the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England and Wales. Key duties include:

• Determining if there is enough evidence and public interest to prosecute.
• Providing legal guidance to prosecutors.
• Handling major or complex cases.
• Working to improve the criminal justice system.

The DPP’s responsibility is to make the criminal justice system fair and effective.

One of the first cases Starmer dealt with was Daniel James, 23, who was paralysed when the scrum collapsed on him during rugby training. Daniel travelled to Switzerland to end his life accompanied by his parents because he did not want to die alone. Starmer had to decide whether to bring his parents to court, and he chose that putting the family in the dock would be against the public interest.

The next assisted dying case to come across his desk was that of Debbie Purdy, who had multiple sclerosis and wanted to know in advance whether her husband Omar would be prosecuted if he helped her die.

Purdy won her case in The House of Lords, which at the time was the highest court in the UK. They said that the DPP must spell out which facts and circumstances the CPS would take into account in assisted dying cases.

Starmer devised a radical new policy: individuals motivated by compassion to help someone die were unlikely to be prosecuted. This policy is still used by prosecutors today. However, doctors are more likely to be prosecuted for assisting in the suicide of someone in their care.

Starmer’s recent comments:

Sir Keir Starmer has said that he is in favour of assisted dying.

Sir Keir made the commitment when speaking in a phone call with broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, who announced in December that she had joined the Swiss assisted dying centre Dignitas. 

Sir Keir told Esther: “I’m personally in favour of changing the law… I think we need to make time. We will make the commitment. Esther, I can give you that commitment right now.”

Starmer has intense insider knowledge of the debate and the intricacies of it – indeed he’s been a core part of one of the biggest changes to assisted dying in the UK.

Leaders make a big difference. It is said that David Cameron’s support of equal marriage in 2013 considerably aided the free vote to pass. 

What comes next?

We still have an almighty task of getting an assisted dying debate in the first place. As mentioned above, assisted dying will most likely have to be a Private Members’ Bill and those are quite literally chosen at random.

The next opportunity for one of those is roughly two weeks after the King’s speech, where the 20 MPs will be chosen to introduce their choice of bill. (415 MPs entered the ballot in November 2023).

If an MP chooses to promote a bill on assisted dying, we will hope to work closely with them to produce the most compassionate law possible. If that happens, we really could see an assisted dying law in England and Wales before the end of the decade.

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:

“This new parliament represents the biggest opportunity for an assisted dying law change that England and Wales has ever seen. Public and medical opinion have changed massively since the last vote in 2015. The time has therefore come for politicians to reflect that and change the law.

“We will work with this new parliament to make the case for change. We need the public’s support to make this happen. Adults who are intolerably suffering from a condition without a cure deserve the right to make a choice about their lives and their deaths. It’s in politicians’ hands to achieve that.”

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

Last night, at an event organised by Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision to reflect on ten years since the pivotal ruling in R (Nicklinson) v Ministry of Justice, Lady Hale reflected that it is cruel and inhumane to force people who are incurably suffering to go on living against their will. 

Lauren Nicklinson, daughter of assisted dying campaigner Tony Nicklinson, shared how her father had wished he had died and that an ambulance had never been called. She also spoke emotionally about the hate the family received, “We had letters from religious organisations telling us we were going to burn in hell.”

Lauren Nicklinson said:

“I appreciate that some people value life for what it is. But please do not deny everyone else the freedom of choice because it conflicts with your own moral or religious values.

Because ultimately this is all about autonomy and individual choice. What is right for you isn’t necessarily right for me and vice versa. Dad wanted to bring about his death – not anyone else’s. And if my brain is battered by a blood clot one day and history is repeated, I am confident I would want a way out – but I am certain I would want that choice as a minimum.”

Tony Nicklinson experienced a devastating stroke that left him with Locked-in Syndrome, paralysing him from the neck down with his only form of communication being through eye movements. After the High Court ruled against him in 2012, Tony died two weeks later from pneumonia, having refused food and treatment.

Jane Nicklinson, Tony’s widow, continued the legal battle with Paul Lamb, a former builder and father of two, who was paralysed from the neck down in 1990. They took the case through the Court of Appeal and ultimately to the Supreme Court. On 25 June 2014, the Supreme Court ruled against the Nicklinsons and Paul Lamb with a notable dissent from two judges, Lady Hale and Lord Kerr.

When asked about the lack of nuanced political debate on assisted dying in England and Wales, The Right Honourable Baroness Hale of Richmond said:

“I wish more politicians would say ‘this is hard, but it needs to looked at and it needs to be sorted and we’re going to work hard at getting the best result.’ Why don’t you say that? This is hard and the hard questions are the really important questions. We have answered a lot of very hard questions in this country and we could still do that.”

Lady Hale said:

“Parliament has not put things right, despite all the evidence that the public would support a change in the law. And such proposals as have been debated are limited to terminally ill people with only a few months to live…Of course, there must be proper safeguards to make sure that their decisions are freely made. But it is cruel and inhumane to force them to go on living against their will That is why I support My Death, My Decision.”

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:

“Tonight we honoured Tony Nicklinson and Paul Lamb, fearless advocates for the right to a compassionate death. Their tragic conditions were not terminal, highlighting the injustice of recent parliamentary Bills that, if passed, would have restricted assisted dying to those who are terminally ill with a prognosis of six months or fewer. That would have been both arbitrary and discriminatory.

“Parliament has long avoided addressing assisted dying. It is our hope that the forthcoming parliamentary session will allow a full debate and vote on a change in the law that we know has overwhelming public support.”

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

Today marks ten years since the pivotal ruling in R (Nicklinson) v Ministry of Justice, where the Supreme Court concluded that any decision to change the law on assisted dying is for parliament. My Death, My Decision commemorates the determination of the Nicklinson family, Paul Lamb and all advocates who have championed the right to die. We urge the next parliament to address this crucial issue.

Tony Nicklinson experienced a devastating stroke that left him with Locked-in Syndrome, paralysing him from the neck down with his only form of communication being through eye movements. Describing his existence as a “living nightmare,” he campaigned passionately for the right to ask for help to end his life. After the High Court ruled against him in 2012, Tony died two weeks later from pneumonia, having refused food and treatment.

Jane Nicklinson, Tony’s widow, continued the legal battle with Paul Lamb, a former builder and father of two, who was paralysed from the neck down in 1990. They took the case through the Court of Appeal and ultimately to the Supreme Court. On 25 June 2014, the Supreme Court ruled against the Nicklinsons and Paul Lamb with a notable dissent from two judges, Lady Hale and Lord Kerr, who would have been willing to make an order that our existing laws were incompatible with Tony’s rights under the Human Rights Act.

Paul Lamb died in 2021.

Lady Hale and the Nicklinson family are set to speak at our event on 26 June. Lady Hale will share her reflections on the Nicklinson case and its lasting influence on the conversation about assisted dying.

The Right Honourable Baroness Hale of Richmond said:

“Ten years ago, the Supreme Court decided the cases of Tony Nicklinson and Paul Lamb, incurably suffering but not terminally ill men who wanted and needed help to take their own lives in the time and manner of their choosing. Five of the nine Justices held that the Court could make a declaration that the current law banning assisted suicide was incompatible with the human rights of people like Tony Nicholson and Paul Lamb, but three of those five said that Parliament should be given the opportunity of putting things right first (the other four said that it was a matter for Parliament alone). 

But Parliament has not put things right, despite all the evidence that the public would support a change in the law. And such proposals as have been debated are limited to terminally ill people with only a few months to live. They would not help people like Tony Nicklinson and Paul Lamb. Of course, there must be proper safeguards to make sure that their decisions are freely made. But it is cruel and inhumane to force them to go on living against their will. That is why I support My Death, My Decision.”

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:

“25th June will be a moment for us to honour Tony Nicklinson and Paul Lamb, fearless advocates for the right to a compassionate death. Their tragic conditions were not terminal, highlighting the injustice of recent parliamentary Bills that, if passed, would have restricted assisted dying to those who are terminally ill with a prognosis of six months or fewer.

“We look forward to hearing from Lady Hale on this historic anniversary. Parliament has long avoided addressing assisted dying. It is our hope that the forthcoming parliamentary session will allow a full debate and vote on a law that we know has overwhelming public support.”

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

Mark Drakeford, former first minister of Wales, has spoken in favour of a full UK-wide assisted dying law. Speaking at the Humanists UK convention in Cardiff, Drakeford said assisted dying should be a right across the UK. My Death, My Decision hopes that all political leaders take note and welcome the huge political momentum in support of assisted dying.

In the Q&A, Drakeford was asked if he thought assisted dying should be a devolved matter. 

Mark Drakeford, former first minister of Wales, said:

“I think assisted dying would pass through the Senedd and I would certainly be a supporter of it myself. But I would much rather that it was one of those things that we did on a UK-wide basis. 

You know, I am a fierce believer in devolution, that in Wales, we should take control of our own domestic agenda as much as possible. But I’m also a believer in the United Kingdom, and I believe that something – some rights – in the way that I was describing earlier, should belong to you as a result of your citizenship of the United Kingdom. And you can imagine all the unintended consequences there would be if assisted dying was available in Wrexham but not available in Chester. 

I believe it is one of the things that I would see as a right. I believe you have a right to take control of the way in which you leave this world.”

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:

“It was heartening to hear this support for the right to a dignified, compassionate assisted death from Mark Drakeford. We hope that current political leaders take note of this thoughtful response from the former first minister of Wales.

People who are suffering deserve choice, dignity and compassion. We should not stand in the way of an adult of sound mind who is suffering unbearably from an incurable condition and has come to a settled wish to die. We urge the next Westminster parliament to vote for change.”

When asked last week by Julie Morgan MS “What steps is the Welsh Government taking towards the devolution of powers regarding assisted dying to Wales?”, the Welsh Government replied:

“Welsh Government does not have plans to seek devolution of powers for assisted dying. This is a complex issue with moral and legal considerations, and we have agreed with the UK Government on a neutral position. We continue working with the NHS in Wales to provide high-quality end-of-life care and support to people.”

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

Three of the four major parties have mentioned assisted dying in their manifesto. Two party leaders have pledged to support a vote on assisted dying in the past.

This article is limited to England & Wales. This is not an endorsement of any political party but a factual analysis of information in the public domain.

Here’s a breakdown of what each party said:

Conservative Party:

The manifesto states:

“We will maintain the position that assisted dying is a matter of conscience and will respect the will of Parliament. Debates on assisted dying should never distract from the importance of delivering high-quality palliative care services and we will continue to support children’s and adults’ hospices.”

This is less of a clear pledge compared to what Rishi Sunak, leader of the party, pledged back in February this year, when he said he would support allowing enough parliamentary time for a meaningful debate and vote on assisted dying. Mr Sunak also pledged to introduce assisted dying laws if parliament wanted to change the law, saying the government would “facilitate” it in a “legally effective” way.

Sunak made the comments to campaigner Matt Ryan, 44, who told him that reforms could have eased the suffering his family faced when both his father, David Minns, and his sister, Katie, died from cancer.

Green Party:

The manifesto states: 

“Elected Greens will back changing the law on assisted dying. We support a humane and dignified approach to terminal illness, allowing people to choose to end their lives to avoid prolonging unnecessary suffering, if this is their clear and settled will. Proper safeguards would need to be put in place.”

Assisted dying has been a Green Party policy for some time, although in previous statements they hadn’t explicitly limited their policy to people who were terminally ill. 

We hope that politicians consider a Bill that extends to adults who are unbearably suffering from conditions without a cure, who are of sound mind and have a clear and settled wish to die.

Labour:

The Labour manifesto does not mention assisted dying.

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has pledged a vote on assisted dying in the next parliament. He made the commitment when speaking in a phone call with broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, who announced in December that she had joined the Swiss assisted dying centre Dignitas. 

Sir Keir told Esther: “I’m personally in favour of changing the law… I think we need to make time. We will make the commitment. Esther, I can give you that commitment right now.”

Liberal Democrats:

The manifesto states:

“‘Give Parliament time to fully debate and vote on legislation on assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults with strict safeguards, subject to a free vote”

Any Bill that comes before Parliament is likely to be subject to a free vote, meaning that MPs can vote in accordance with their conscience. The Liberal Democrats are reflecting this. Similarly to other manifesto pledges, we are disappointed that this is limited to the terminally ill. It means that someone suffering with multiple sclerosis would be denied the choice, while someone with terminal cancer would be allowed the dignity to end their life when they choose.

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:

“Never before has Britain seen such a high level of political support for assisted dying. With all major parties, or their leaders, pledging to support assisted dying in some form, this is an historic moment. Change is coming.

Our assisted dying law must match the British people’s commitment to compassion. It must not be arbitrarily limited to the terminally ill. People with non-terminal conditions that can cause them to suffer unbearably, like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s’, must be given the same compassionate choice.”

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

The States Assembly in Jersey has just passed a historic milestone, voting in favour of giving islanders the right to choose help to die. My Death, My Decision, welcomes this progress.

Politicians in Jersey have decided by 32 votes to 14, to allow people who are terminally ill with six months or fewer left to live, assistance to die. This time limit is extended to twelve months for people with neurodegenerative conditions such as motor neurone disease.  This is broader than all past proposals in England and Wales, which have been limited to people with six months left to live, no matter the illness.

However, politicians voted against ‘Route 2’ by 19 votes to 27, which would have allowed people who are suffering unbearably from a condition that cannot be cured, but are not terminally ill, access to an assisted death. This means that people who have conditions such as multiple sclerosis or locked-in syndrome would be excluded from having a dignified death. The proposal for this route included additional protections and safeguards compared to ‘Route 1’ for people with terminal conditions.

Half of all assisted deaths of UK residents in Switzerland would likely fall under ‘Route 2’, and 3.5% of assisted deaths in Canada fall under their almost equivalent ‘Track 2’ system. The citizens’ jury carried out in Jersey in 2021 overwhelmingly (78%) called for there to be a compassionate option for people who were suffering unbearably but not terminally ill. 

The proposals, now passed, will be turned into legislation, before a final vote next year. If passed, there will be an 18-month period for doctors to be trained, guidance to be written and a support service to be set up. The first assisted death in Jersey could be in 2027.

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:

“This is an encouraging step for Jersey in its progress to a compassionate assisted dying law. Politicians in the UK should take note. The proposals put forward are detailed, safe and compassionate. Finally, residents of Jersey will have the choice of a dignified end.

 It’s regrettable that politicians voted against ‘Route 2’, as that would have given people with conditions like multiple sclerosis a compassionate choice. It will be hard for health professionals to look at a person with multiple sclerosis and tell them they don’t even have a choice and must suffer, while someone with terminal cancer will have the option of an assisted death on their terms. Nevertheless, Jersey is moving in the right direction while England and Wales have stood still.”

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.