B

Baroness Watkins of Tavistock (CB)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 9 January 2026

Debate

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

Contribution

My Lords, I had not intended to speak on this group but, as the only nurse present, I want to say that nobody could deny the principles of the amendments that are being discussed today. They are right and proper in respect of good health care for the nation. I have two concerns, however. One is that we have talked considerably about my medical colleagues, who are absolutely essential, but the vast majority of palliative care is delivered by specialist nurse practitioners. I feel that it is essential I draw the Committee’s attention to that. I want to read from the ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses, which says that nurses—and, I believe, other healthcare professionals—have four fundamental responsibilities, including “to promote health, to prevent illness, to restore health and to alleviate suffering”. What we are talking about today is alleviating suffering.

More from Baroness Watkins of Tavistock (CB)

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

Partner sites