Minister hit by brain tumour joins calls for change on assisted dying | Politics | News | Express.co.uk
The Tory MPs calling for a fresh debate on assisted dying before the general election this year now count a minister among their ranks.
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Minister hit by brain tumour joins calls for change on assisted dying (Image: GOV UK)
Guy Opperman, minister for transport, said he believes that there may be time for a Commons discussion on the issue ahead of the vote.
Hexham’s MP Mr Opperman said: “In 2011 I had a brain tumour. It changed my mind completely as to how it is I wish to end my life…”
“I could spend £10,000 and go to Dignitas in Switzerland and end my life.”
“The bloke at 43 Acacia Avenue can’t afford that. It’s one rule for the rich and one for the poor – totally wrong.”
Tory MP and ex-Cabinet minister Chloe Smith said: “We should have a thorough, fresh debate on this, especially as other [countries] increasingly have experience to share of how assisted dying laws can work well.”
Tory MP Andrew Mitchell, the former co-chair of Dignity in Dying, said: “It is not a party political issue but an issue of conscience, where each of us would decide what is in the best interests of those we represent…”
“Democratic societies are recognising that people should have agency over these decisions.”
Tory MP Matt Warman said: “It is always Parliament’s job to decide where the country stands on difficult issues – as things are today, the law is simply in the wrong place.”
Tory peer Lord Goldsmith agreed, adding: “No one can fail to have been deeply moved by Esther’s pleas.”
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