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Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor James Plaskitt (Labour), on Wednesday, 26 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 36 members in total.

ASSISTED DEATH

That this House notes that the House of Lords' decision in the case of Pretty makes it clear that in accordance with section 2(4) of the Suicide Act 1961 it lies with the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide which cases he believes should or should not be prosecuted; further notes that, in particular, Lord Hope found that the DPP is entitled to form and publish a policy as to the criteria he will apply when exercising his discretion under section 2(4) of the Act; and calls upon the Government to ensure this policy is published as a matter of urgency, so families set to travel abroad to help their terminally ill relatives receive an assisted death can regulate their conduct with reference to the criminal law.

Amendments

The Early day motion has received an amendment.

ASSISTED DEATH (783A1)
The Early day motion has received an amendment sponsored by Brian Iddon (primary, Labour) and tabled on Wednesday, 5 March 2003. It has been signed by 15 members in total.
leave out from 'that' to end and add 'assisted suicide is and remains illegal; notes that this decision was confirmed by the European Court of Human Rights which held that Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights cannot be interpreted as conferring the right to die; further notes that the House of Lords Select Committee on Medical Ethics (1993-1994) concluded that any legal permission of assistance in suicide would result in a massive erosion of the rights of the vulnerable; and calls upon the Government to ensure that assisted suicide remains illegal.'.

Secondary information

Type
Early day motion
Reference
783 
783A1 
Session
2002-03
Subjects
Crown Prosecution Service Euthanasia Prosecutions Suicide Pretty, Diane
Link
View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk