McArthur responds to FM’s comments on assisted dying

Responding to the First Minister’s comments on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill this afternoon, Liam McArthur MSP said:

“Given John Swinney’s position on this issue in the past, I have always been aware that I was unlikely to win his support. Nevertheless, I would like to thank him for his considered approach, the time he has taken to discuss the issue with me and his recognition that in this vote he does not speak for his party but solely on a personal basis.

“He will know that this is an issue on which an overwhelming majority of people of Scotland believe a change in the law is required. Public polling is consistent across age range, disability status, geographic area and religious belief: Scots want a change in the law to allow terminally ill people the choice of an assisted death.

“This bill has been a long time coming but it does now offer the opportunity to provide that compassionate choice for the small number of terminally ill Scots who need it. Drawing on international evidence, my bill would ensure that people are able to exercise that choice in a way that is robustly safeguarded.

“Ahead of the Stage 1 vote next Tuesday, I would urge my colleagues to listen to the voices of terminally ill Scots desperate for more choice, control and dignity and I would urge them to take account of the experience of so many people across Scotland who have witnessed the harrowing deaths of friends and loved ones, often despite the very best efforts of palliative care.”