Gordon Brown Opposes Assisted Dying Bill

As the Assisted Dying Bill is set for debate on November 29, Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown have both declared their opposition to the proposed legislation. Smith raised concerns about the lack of parliamentary scrutiny and inadequate safeguards against coercion for vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the implications for the NHS and palliative care. Brown, reflecting on the tragic loss of his baby daughter, articulated that improving end-of-life care should take precedence over legalizing assisted dying, arguing that the current state of the NHS is not conducive for such a significant policy change. He criticized the proposed bill for potentially altering societal attitudes towards the elderly and disabled. Both figures advocate for enhancing palliative care rather than pursuing assisted dying, highlighting the emotional and ethical complexities surrounding the issue. The debate continues to divide opinion among MPs, with a free vote allowing them to decide based on personal beliefs rather than party lines.