L

Lord Markham (Con)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 6 February 2026

Debate

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

Contribution

A large number of psychiatrists are absolutely of the view that they do not want a new framework. They wrote to MPs saying that the Mental Capacity Act was totally relevant in all this. I am not saying that I personally know what is best. I am just trying to provide balance, because a number of noble Lords have said that we should be introducing a new framework. There are some serious arguments, including that of the Chief Medical Officer, for why that should not be the case. I cannot speak to the evidence that he has taken, but I know from working very closely with Professor Sir Chris Whitty that he is very evidence-based. I would be very confident that he has taken a lot of expert advice on this.

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