Julian Smith: Assisted Dying is far too serious for a Private Member’s Bill
Julian Smith, a Conservative MP, argues against the use of a Private Member’s Bill for assisted dying legislation. He emphasizes the need for proper scrutiny and a government mandate before making such significant changes. Smith highlights the potential risks and ethical concerns associated with hastily introduced legislation on this complex issue.
- ▪Julian Smith served as the Government Chief Whip from 2017 to 2019 and has firsthand experience with legislative failures.
- ▪He believes that a Private Member’s Bill is not suitable for such a profound change in assisted dying legislation.
- ▪Smith urges MPs to consider the implications of supporting a bill that could alter the role of the NHS and the medical profession.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Julian Smith is the Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon and a former Government Chief Whip The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill may have fallen, but the campaign to introduce assisted dying through the back door of a private members’ bill has not. With a new Private Members Bill (PMB) ballot approaching, MPs that are successful must think very carefully about what they want to achieve. To reintroduce an identical assisted dying bill, and use the Parliament Acts to force it through, would be both dangerous and divisive. As Government Chief Whip between 2017 and 2019, I sat at the centre of the most turbulent parliamentary period in living memory. I know how legislation can fail under the weight of insufficient preparation.
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