Starmer Reaffirms Pledge to Allow Vote on Assisted Suicide

July 12, 2024 TruthUSA

The prime minister reiterated his pre-election promise to allow a vote on legalizing assisted suicide, matching other regions of the UK and dependencies considering changes to their laws.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his commitment to provide a free vote in the House of Commons regarding the legalization of assisted suicide.

During a press conference at the NATO summit in Washington, Sir Keir stated that he would allocate parliamentary time for a private members’ bill proposing the change in legislation.

The prime minister emphasized, “I stand by the promise I made, and we will prioritize setting out the timeline for this change. We will allocate time for a private member’s bill, and there will be a free vote.”

He further added, “I have not committed to a specific timeline for this change, and I prefer to keep it open for now.”

Although not part of the Labour Party’s manifesto, Sir Keir made this promise to Dame Esther Rantzen, expressing personal support for altering the law.

Pandora’s Box

The debate on assisted suicide was reignited when Dame Esther disclosed her terminal illness and affiliation with Dignitas, a Swiss organization offering medically-assisted suicide.

A petition prompted a non-binding discussion on assisted suicide in Westminster Hall, where MPs advocated for the dignity it provides to terminal patients.

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