Member

Because it is convenient to deal with this at the same time, I turn to Amendment 68A in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Coffey. She wishes to put in the Bill that somebody who is granted a power of attorney for a friend or loved one should not be in a position where they can decide for the person for whom they have the power of attorney whether they have an assisted death. I am absolutely clear that the wording of the Bill prevents that. At every stage the Bill requires the person to make the declaration themselves, except for the signature, which can be done by a proxy, and the whole process involves the two doctors and the panel looking to see whether it is the clear and voluntary view of that person—that it is settled and firm and they have capacity—and that is what they want to do. That is wholly inconsistent with it being done by somebody with a power of attorney.