What St Helens MPs have said about Assisted Dying Bill

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was published on Monday this week which seeks a change in the law surrounding assisted dying of terminally ill adults.

What is the proposed law change?

Terminally ill adults who are expected to die within six months would be able to request help to end their own life, under proposed legislation for England and Wales published on Monday.

Assisted suicide is currently banned, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

MPs will take part in an initial debate and vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on 29 November.

If the bill passes, it will receive further scrutiny from MPs and peers in a process that could last around six months.

MPs are to be given a free vote on the bill - so they will not be bound by party whips. 

The issue is one that has divided opinion across the country.

Those in favour claim the bill will enable people who are suffering to have a death with dignity. 

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Pro-change campaigners Dignity In Dying have said assisted dying allows a person with a terminal condition the choice to control their death.

Meanwhile,  group Care Not Killing uses the terms “assisted suicide” and “euthanasia”, and argues that the focus should be on “promoting more and better palliative care” rather than any law change.

Archbishop of Liverpool Malcolm McMahon has joined Catholic bishops across the country in opposing the "attempts in Parliament to legalise assisted suicide".

The bishops said they believe "genuine compassion is under threat" by the proposed bill.

Archbishop of Liverpool Malcolm McMahon (Image: Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool)

In a statement the bishops said: "We appeal to those who share our Catholic belief in human dignity and sanctity of life, including fellow Christians, other religious people, and people of reason and good will, to join with us in defending the weakest and most vulnerable who are at risk through this proposed legislation."

What St Helens' MPs have said

The Star approached both of the town's MPs for a statement on the issue on Wednesday this week (November 13).

Both MPs stressed the importance of analysing the issue in detail before coming to a decision.

David Baines MP said he is approaching the issue with an open mind (Image: Stock)

St Helens North MP David Baines said: "This is an extremely important issue. As is a long-standing convention for such issues of conscience, all MPs will be able to vote as they wish, and as I told constituents at the outset of this process I am approaching it with an open mind.  

"Now that the Bill has been published I will consider the detail it contains, and I will continue to take time to listen to the views of people in St Helens North. I am grateful to all those who have shared their stories, experience and knowledge with me so far.

"Some of the correspondence has come from people who are desperate for it to be introduced because of their own personal experience or that of a loved one.

"Others, some of whom are terminally ill, have pleaded with me to vote against this for fear of the pressure it will put on people.

"I have also received correspondence from medical professionals, on both sides of the debate, who have told me about the impact it might have on the NHS and on staff. I am also considering the evidence from other countries where assisted dying is already legal.

"I hope constituents understand why it is important to study this issue deeply before coming to a view. It is not an issue I expected to be making a decision on so quickly, but I will confirm my decision at the earliest opportunity ahead of the vote on Friday, November 29."

Marie Rimmer MP says the issue deserves "careful understanding" before a decision is made (Image: Stock)

Meanwhile, St Helens South and Whiston MP Marie Rimmer said:  “Assisted dying is an emotive issue and I know there are strongly held ethical and moral views on both sides of the debate. Many constituents have been in touch with me already, and I have been following the debate around the bill.

“In no circumstances should assisted dying be an alternative to high-quality end of life care. People deserve dignity in dying and everyone should be safe in the knowledge that they will receive the very best care and medical attention.

“The Bill became available to MPs on Monday evening, but due to the business of legislation currently being passed through the house, I have yet to be able to sit down with this 40-page document and its supporting readings.

“It is my intention to carefully examine every part of this legislation so that I can make the most informed decision that correctly understands both the intention of the bill and the beliefs of my constituents.

"Life is extremely valuable and this decision demands absolute, careful understanding and consideration before a vote is cast.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of St Helens. Please get in touch at simon.mulligan@newsquest.co.uk