Today the Assisted Dying Bill comes before the House. If you have corresponded with me on the issue you will know that I intend to oppose this legislation and was transparent on this issue in the lead up to the election.
I would like to take this opportunity to explain why I have taken this position and how I have considered your opinions on the issue.
It is in no doubt that this is a very difficult and sensitive issue and it is one I have given a great deal of thought to over the years. Like many of us, I have seen close relatives of mine suffer before death and fully recognise the strength of feeling there is over this matter.
However, I'm afraid I cannot support the Bill which is being introduced. To do so would be to legalise the killing of human beings and this is not something I can agree to.
It is claimed that a large percentage of people would support this Bill. However, when people are further questioned about the details, support falls away. For example, when people account for the real risk that those suffering could be pressurized to have their lives ended, support for the proposals drops by a half.
Nevertheless, I could still not support the legislation and made my stances very clear before the General Election, as I have before all elections. I think the current law does, by and large, work. Doctors can administer drugs for the purpose of relieving pain or suffering, but not for the purpose of ending someone's life, and I believe this to be the correct balance.
There are, of course, extreme cases, but extreme cases often make for bad law, so I think we have to be very careful with this issue, as much as with any issue I have ever dealt with.
Thank you for your input over the past weeks in considering this legislation.