Angus MacDonald, MP for Inverness, Skye, and West Ross-shire, has expressed regret following the passage of the Assisted Dying Bill during its Second Reading in Parliament on Friday, November 29, 2024.
The Private Members’ Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults, passed after a deeply emotional debate, with MPs sharing personal anecdotes both in favour and against the legislation.
The unusually packed House of Commons demonstrated the profound significance of the issue.
“I respect the strength of feeling on this matter, but I remain firmly opposed to this legislation,” said Mr. MacDonald.
“While the Bill’s safeguards may seem robust, there is a genuine risk that some may feel like a burden to their families or be coerced by unscrupulous relatives with financial motives.”
Mr. MacDonald reaffirmed his call for greater investment in palliative care, arguing that this is the most compassionate way to support terminally ill individuals.
Now, the scrutiny of the legislation begins as it moves to Committee stage, where evidence will be taken to examine the Bill’s provisions.
“The journey for this Bill is not over, and I hope its risks will be thoroughly scrutinised in the coming weeks,” Mr. MacDonald added.
