DUP Westminster candidate backs UK wide campaign to seek pledges from MPs against euthanasia
Upper Bann Westminster candidate Carla Lockhart has backed a UK-wide campaign seeking pledges from would-be MPs that they will oppose the legalisation of assisted suicide – and back investment in palliative care.
In April, Westminster Hall in Parliament was packed for a debate which saw MPs give impassioned speeches for and against legislative change – though no vote was taken.
The debate was triggered by a petition backed by Dame Esther Rantzen which secured over 200,000 signatures to see the topic debated.
She was praised for her role in bringing the conversation to the fore, having revealed in December that she has joined the Swiss Dignitas clinic as she has stage four cancer.
The issue was last voted on in the Commons in 2015, when it was defeated at second reading by 330 votes to 118.
Ms Lockhart was speaking after Pro-life group ‘Right To Life UK’ launched the 'Vote to Do No Harm' campaign – ahead of the election on 4 July. The group says no major disability advocacy groups, nor doctors’ groups in the UK support legalising assisted suicide.
Spokesperson Catherine Robinson, said: "In the next Parliament, we expect the assisted suicide lobby to return with new attempts to introduce assisted suicide."We are urging voters to engage with their local MP candidates and advocate for the protection of the most vulnerable in our society this election.“There is currently a major gap in the provision of palliative care in the UK of £77m. It is estimated that over 100,000 people who need palliative care die each year without receiving it”.
Upper Bann DUP candidate Carla Lockhart responded: “It is an inescapable fact that when such legislation has been introduced in other countries such as Canada, initial narrow definitions have continually been widened to the point where there are now discussions around assisted suicide for disability, children and chronic mental illness.
"As a society we should protect the most vulnerable, not seek ways to aid them to end their life. In particular we should listen to the voices of those with disabilities who feel real concern that they will inevitably face pressure to end their lives. Our focus should be on improving palliative care.”