Labour Scottish Secretary not against the ‘principle’ of assisted dying law
Ian Murray has expressed his stance on the issue of assisted dying following the SNP Government’s statement that Westminster would need to assist in passing a new law for Scotland. The Scottish Secretary mentioned that he is not opposed to the principle of assisted dying. However, he refrained from commenting on whether he would issue a Section 30 order to enable MSPs to enact the legislation but did not dismiss the possibility. Murray remarked that a decision regarding the Bill would have to wait until it is voted on.
The proposed Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, aims to permit terminally ill adults to request an end to their life. The criteria for individuals seeking this option would include residency in Scotland for at least a year, registration with a Scottish GP, and mental competency. Prior to the Bill’s vote, the Scottish Government cautioned that Holyrood might lack the authority to pass the proposed legislation.
Health Secretary Neil Gray highlighted in a letter to the health committee that certain aspects of the Bill might necessitate approval from the UK Government. Of particular concern is the provision in the legislation that grants authority to ministers to specify the drug for assisted deaths, an area falling under Westminster’s jurisdiction. Granting a Section 30 order by the Scotland Secretary could enable Holyrood to legislate on this issue, but the Scottish Government mentioned that this process could take 12 to 18 months to finalise.
When asked about the possibility of issuing a Section 30 order, Murray stated that such decisions would only be made once a Bill is presented for consideration. He emphasised that assisted dying is a devolved matter in principle and reiterated the need to evaluate the specifics of the Bill once it is put forward. Murray’s comments were made following an interfaith candle lighting event at the Edinburgh City Chambers, where he expressed his support for the principle of assisted dying.
While Murray acknowledged his agreement with the principle of assisted dying, he underscored the importance of waiting for the actual Bill to be introduced before making any definitive decisions. He highlighted the necessity for the Bill to go through the Scottish Parliament and undergo a voting process. Murray emphasised the need to refrain from speculation until the legislation is formally presented and analysed by stakeholders.
In summary, Ian Murray’s comments reflect his openness to the principle of assisted dying while emphasising the significance of reviewing the specific provisions of the proposed Bill. As discussions surrounding assisted dying legislation continue, the careful consideration of all aspects and implications of such a law remains crucial.