ARKLESS LISTENS TO CONSTITUENTS VIEWS ON ASSISTED DYING

The Assisted Dying Bill is scheduled to be debated in the House of Commons on 11th September.  The bill which will allow terminally ill people assistance to end their own life applies to only England and Wales but depending on residency clauses, could mean that those living in Scotland could travel the short distance to England to die.

Mr Arkless said: “As this vote is a matter of conscience the first step for me was to listen to as many of my constituents views as possible.  I’ve talked with a wide range of people who take passionate views either for or against, it is a complex and emotive issue.  My initial instinctive view was to vote against the Bill as to give the State the right to take a life is a step too far for me.  After listening to the opinions of those facing a degenerative illness, I will certainly reexamine this view and probably only come to a final decision on the day after hearing the full debate in the Chamber.

This Private Members Bill will be introduced by Rob Marris who was selected by ballot to present it to Parliament for debate.

Mr Arkless added: “In the Westminster system a limited amount of time is given to debate a private members bill.  If the debate the not concluded by 2.30pm on Friday the Bill will die and not pass to committee stage.  It is quite likely that an MP strongly opposed to Assisted Dying,  such as Jacob Rees-Mogg will talk the Bill down.  Such bizarre rules mean that it is very difficult to pass even mildly controversial Bills in this way as you need virtually unanimous support throughout the house.”

“Listening to my constituents a views on Assisted Dying was a very moving experience and it really brought home to me this importance of this Bill to so many people.  To consult with people who have degenerative illnesses was an essential part of my research into this decision and I am glad the surgery was so well attended.”