Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Lord Willis of Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Wednesday, 10 December 2008 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Tonight the actual moment of death of my former constituent, Craig Ewert, will be shown on Sky Television. Many people recognise that there is a real issue in terms of how we approach assisted dying, but at the moment it is illegal. Health and palliative care groups, as well as disability and other faith groups, oppose assisted dying. Does the Prime Minister regard this programme as being in the public interest, or is it simply distasteful voyeurism?

Answer: These are very difficult issues, and we should all remember that at the heart of any individual case is a family in very difficult circumstances, who have to make difficult choices that none of us would want to have to make. It is a matter of conscience and there are differing views on both sides of the House about what should be done. It is necessary to ensure that there is never a case in which a sick or elderly person feels under pressure to agree to an assisted death or that it is the expected thing to do. That is why I have always opposed legislation on assisted death. Specifically on the programme itself, I think that it is very important that these issues are dealt with sensitively and without sensationalism. I hope that broadcasters remember that they have a wider duty to the general public. Of course, this will be a matter for the television watchdogs when the broadcast is shown.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 485 c532-3
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Broadcasting programmes Euthanasia Standards Television Unemployment
Link: View this Prime Minister's question on www.publications.parliament.uk