Jardine repeats call for change in Assisted Dying Law

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has reaffirmed her commitment to changing the law to allow assisted dying across the UK.

Christine led a wide-ranging discussion at Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth, with representatives of Humanists UK and Dignity in Dying, who are campaigning for assisted dying across the UK.

With the Scottish Parliament set to debate Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur’s bill on allowing terminally ill people to seek an assisted death, Ms Jardine believes that it is time for proposals in England and Wales to take a step forward.

Despite polling showing two in three voters back a change in the law, Parliament has previously rejected the idea twice. 

Christine believes this is robbing people of the ability to choose a dignified death, and is a staunch supporter of making the change.

Speaking at Liberal Democrat conference, Christine said: “For me it is all about choice.

“Despite writing about it, working with colleagues across Parliament and some wonderful charities, I still do not know if I would choose an assisted death.

“But for me, that is not the motivation for wanting this change. 

“This is about the tens of thousands of people who have long term illness or terminal conditions, who are comfortable in their choice, but cannot.

“They always deserve that choice. It is time for us to finally allow it.”