Assisted Dying

[Matt2112]

Back more on topic: I'm watching the HoC debate as I work from home.

I've got to say that although I consider Kim Leadbeater pretty much criminally negligent on the issue of the Batley school teacher, on this particular issue she's been an outstanding ambassador for the cause, with a superb opening speech.

I was also hugely impressed by the contribution of Tory MP Kit Malthouse, who spoke with magnificent eloquence in his allotted 8 minutes or so.

I do hope this bill gets passed.

[Slim]

I'm listening to the debate today

Also, with regards to doctors glowing with pride, I think if you spoke to your average vet they would agree that it is the worst part of their job and probably something they try to blot out as much as possible. Personally, I've never allowed an animal to suffer and any pets we have lost through euthanasia involved only feelings of dread and grief.

Well, there are ten doctors serving as MPs in the present parliament, five Labour MPs, five Tories. I've heard (I think) three of them speak in the debate today while listening in on 5 Live, all of them were supporting the motion.

[David L]

Interesting discussion last night on LBC about the influence of religion in this and other issues. The question posed (paraphrasing) was: should MPs with a religious belief allow said belief to influence their decisions as legislators?

Simon Jenkins came on and he was quite angry about it; he found it "intolerable". Why should someone else's delusion be allowed to affect the freedoms of others? By all means if you're terminally ill feel free to suffer for as long as your sky fairy dictates; don't force suffering on others who don't share your fantasy.

My own view is that it's just unrealistic to expect MPs not to be guided by their faith; these ideas are just too deeply embedded in their heads. What's important though is that they should declare to their electors, as candidates, that they are likely to be led by a religion in their decision making. Then rational people can make an informed decision to do our very best to make sure these people are never allowed to get near any sort of legislative responsibility.

And what is most concerning is that governments of the western world are hell-bent on swelling their nations with those whose faith is the most "deeply embedded" of all. It seems blatantly obvious that the legislature will comprise more of these people as time passes.

[The Picnic Wasp]

Interesting discussion last night on LBC about the influence of religion in this and other issues. The question posed (paraphrasing) was: should MPs with a religious belief allow said belief to influence their decisions as legislators?

Simon Jenkins came on and he was quite angry about it; he found it "intolerable". Why should someone else's delusion be allowed to affect the freedoms of others? By all means if you're terminally ill feel free to suffer for as long as your sky fairy dictates; don't force suffering on others who don't share your fantasy.

My own view is that it's just unrealistic to expect MPs not to be guided by their faith; these ideas are just too deeply embedded in their heads. What's important though is that they should declare to their electors, as candidates, that they are likely to be led by a religion in their decision making. Then rational people can make an informed decision to do our very best to make sure these people are never allowed to get near any sort of legislative responsibility.

Good luck with that last sentence when they try to implement it in the west of Scotland. There really is an innocence about religion in England for the most part.

[Slim]

Good luck with that last sentence when they try to implement it in the west of Scotland. There really is an innocence about religion in England for the most part.

The same applies for parts of Lancashire (for example) with a large number of Muslim constituents. But provided their representatives express their preference to be guided by superstition, at least their constituents can't say they didn't know what they were getting.

Anyway - the first reading of the bill has passed by 330 to 275 - a bigger margin than I expected, and that tells me that it will become law in England and Wales.

As for Scotland, a drive south of the border is a lot cheaper and less hassle than a plane ticket to Switzerland. Speaking of which I've just remembered that Jonners' dad made that journey to Dignitas; I'm sure he wouldn't mind me mentioning that here since he posted about it on TNMS. What a hassle to have to endure on top of getting all your other affairs in order.

[Slim]

This is really an incidental point, but I've just seen this on the BBC live coverage:



Wouldn't it be nice to think they could have a friendly chat?

[Matt2112]

Richard Tice strongly indicated he would vote in favour, which surprised me.

Anyway, I'm delighted the bill has passed; it's great to see enlightenment principles winning out.

[Nick]

Pleased to see this has been approved.

[Matt2112]

Pleased to see my MP (Kate Dearden, Lab) voted aye.

[dom]

Morbid thought but I wonder how many of us will be impacted by this, directly or indirectly.

Religion still holds too much sway in Ireland for it to take a similar path. If it is seen to be successful in England it could be here in another decade.

[pxr5]

I'm pleased by this result too. Still many hoops to go through before it ever happens though. We are following the Oregon way exactly, but concerning is that Canada has already expanded the original format and is looking to expand further.

[The Picnic Wasp]

Unbelievably I actually feel quite sorry for King Charles. As supreme head of the Church of England he will have to commit an act of complete hypocrisy by not using royal prerogative to appear to be displeased by this decision. It would only be a token gesture but would be a far too perilous action for him and his. Then I remember the Act of Settlement and I no longer feel much sympathy for the guy. In any case, how can a person who purports to be a follower of Christ completely ignore the word of his God. "Thou art Peter.........." No thanks, one of my ancestors was a tyrant who liked to murder innocent women to get his own way and he's provided me with a nice, powerful role in my own church. The whole thing's a total mess but so is the country. The UK is halfway down the toilet already. If Donald decides to save a few bucks we might be part of a fireworks show.

[Matt2112]

Simple solution - disestablish the CofE, at the very least.  That's another progressive societal move that's way, way overdue.

[The Picnic Wasp]

Simple solution - disestablish the CofE, at the very least.  That's another progressive societal move that's way, way overdue.

I do genuinely spend considerable time trying to envision what might result from such suggestions. I can't help but think that the world would be worse.

[Nickslikk2112]

Simple solution - disestablish the CofE, at the very least. 

AND THEN RETURN TO ROME!!!!

THE COUNTRY WILL SMELL NICER, WE WANT POTPOURRI!!!!!