James Frith, Labour MP for Bury North, has held a discussion event on assisted dying to allow Bury North residents to hear from experts across the divide on this controversial topic.
Around 60 local residents gathered in Ramsbottom Civic Hall on the morning of Saturday 23 November to hear from speakers on both sides of the debate. Mr Frith, who chaired the discussion, was joined by Gary Marsh, director at My Death My Decision and Kevin Yuill, chief executive of Humanists Against Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia.
Speaking after the event, Mr Frith said: “The forthcoming vote on assisted dying will be one of the most significant votes that MPs will face in this parliament. This historic moment has the potential not just to change lives, but to take life away. Such a decision deserves careful and respectful consideration.
“I have always been committed to ensuring that in Bury North, we have the widest possible discussion and engagement, hearing views, experiences and expertise from all sides. I was really pleased to bring together local people in Bury North with two prominent voices in the assisted dying debate to have a frank, honest and open conversation about the forthcoming bill.”
Mr Frith, who has expressed caution around assisted dying, has said that he has spent recent weeks and months listening to people on all sides of the debate across Bury North.
He added: “I am grateful to all those who have taken the time to share their views with me on this important topic.
“I have long been cautious about assisted dying. As someone who has extensively supported palliative and hospice care, I feel this aspect of our health system is significantly undervalued. It should play a far more prominent role in our societal conversations around end-of-life care and terminal illness. I also remain unconvinced that the legislation addresses concerns around coercion or doubt, including the potential for self-coercion.”
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