Member

On 16 January, the noble and learned Lord said that he was not in favour of an assisted dying help service, but my amendments seek to strengthen what is there in the Bill. We also have to think about the implications of whether somebody has an independent advocate or not. The equality impact assessment talks about the cost implications. There could be a saving of £2,333 from not having an independent advocate. I listened to the honourable Member in the other place for Bexleyheath and Crayford, Daniel Francis MP, when he talked so powerfully about his daughter. He is an individual with a lived experience who understands the challenges that could lie ahead. I therefore think the independent advocate must be in place before any discussions are had. We have talked about how to engage with parents in previous debates and what they may offer—or, in some cases, not offer—to the process. As I understand it, Marie Tidball in another place hoped that the independent advocate would be present from the start of the process. This is also something that was covered by Dan Scorer from Mencap, who understands the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities.