Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer Supports Revisiting Assisted Dying Debate
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has voiced his support for reconsidering the ban on assisted dying in the UK, stating there are "grounds for changing the law." This comes in the wake of broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen revealing that she has registered with the Dignitas assisted dying clinic during her current battle with stage four lung cancer.
Assisted suicide is currently prohibited in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and subject to penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Although it is not a specific offence in Scotland, euthanasia is illegal and those committing the offence risk facing murder charges. Legislation is being proposed in the Scottish Parliament by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, with the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill scheduled for consideration next year.
Sir Keir has emphasised the need for Members of Parliament to have a free vote on the matter, allowing them to respect the diverse opinions surrounding assisted dying. The Labour leader previously backed a bill that aimed to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill individuals in 2015, which was ultimately defeated.
In response to the recent developments, Cabinet Minister Mel Stride expressed their openness to a new debate and vote on legalising assisted dying, suggesting a potential shift in parliamentary sentiment since the 2015 vote. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins echoed the importance of MPs having a free vote, emphasising that it's a "matter of conscience."
The Commons health and social care committee is set to release a report on assisted dying and assisted suicide in England and Wales, following an inquiry launched in December 2022 to explore various perspectives on the debate.
