Member

Over and over, opponents said that it was inappropriate that this was being dealt with by a Private Member’s Bill. I disagree with that. Assisted dying is not a Bill which could ever have been in a manifesto because it is a matter of conscience. A Private Member’s Bill is the normal way that most issues of conscience are dealt with. There are other legislative vehicles, but this was the most appropriate. Throughout the process, the sponsor in the other place and I have had the fullest official support, which has never breached in any way the neutrality of the Government. We have had access to parliamentary counsel for drafting and officials to help us with the development of policy options—although the policy choices have remained, rightly, for the sponsors. These officials have been absolutely first class. I have had considerable experience of doing Bills as a Minister. This team has been complete and second to none.