top of page

Assisted Dying Public Meeting

Yesterday, Willie Rennie MSP and I held a public meeting in the constituency to discuss the proposed changes to the law to allow assisted dying, ahead of an expected vote on the legislation.

Assisted Dying Meeting at St Andrews
Assisted Dying Meeting at St Andrews

Over two hundred people attended the meeting at the School of Medicine in St Andrews. They heard from Liam McArthur MSP, who has introduced legislation in the Scottish Parliament, and Dr Sarah Mills, Lecturer in Academic General Practice at the University of St Andrews, whose research includes palliative care. Members of the audience then offered their questions, views and personal experience.

 

The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, which would create a process for mentally competent, terminally ill adults in Scotland to receive assistance in ending their lives, has been introduced in the Scottish Parliament. MSPs are expected to vote on its general principles in the coming months. Similar proposals were initially approved for England and Wales by MPs in November, but the legislation is still subject to scrutiny and a final vote.


It was really important to hear the range of views on this legislation and I’m grateful to everyone who came and shared their experiences and stories. I voted for the first stage of the legislation at Westminster to ensure that it would undergo further scrutiny. I am continuing to listen closely to the debate and evidence as it progresses through the parliamentary process. That is one of the reasons why it was valuable to hear the views of people in North East Fife before I make a final decision.

 

Commenting after the meeting, Willie said:

 

“I am very grateful to everyone who came to the meeting, and particularly to those who shared their views and experience. It was a respectful, civil and informative discussion. At times people shared deeply personal and difficult experiences.

 

“This is an issue of profound importance and much debate, in parliament and across society. That’s why I wanted to organise this meeting to hear directly from people in North East Fife, and to provide them the opportunity to hear from Liam McArthur, as well as expert opinion.

 

“I know that I will continue to reflect on what was said, as well as the wider evidence ahead of the first vote amongst MSPs in the coming months. I encourage anyone who wasn’t able to attend or who would like to raise further issues to get in touch.”

 



Unit G1, Granary Business Centre

Coal Road

Cupar

KY15 5YQ

  • alt.text.label.Facebook
  • alt.text.label.Twitter
  • alt.text.label.Instagram
  • Youtube

Constituency:   01334 656361

Parliament:       0207 219 4409

This website is designed by websites by jane, published and promoted on behalf of Wendy Chamberlain.

Privacy Notice: Details about our data protection and privacy policies are in Wendy Chamberlain’s Privacy Policy.

bottom of page