The Scottish Parliament Kills Off Assisted Dying
Even progressive Holyrood drew the line at state-sponsored suicide
The Scottish Parliament’s unexpectedly emphatic rejection of assisted dying will have profound implications for the entire UK. It seems inconceivable now that the Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater’s similar measure to introduce elective euthanasia in the UK parliament can survive. It has been run ragged in the House of Lords by 1200 amendments and shows little sign of escaping from the Upper House before time runs out.
Unlike in Holyrood, Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was approved by a free vote of the House of Commons. However, private members bills normally fail if they don’t complete all stages before the end of the parliamentary session in April. It could of course be returned in a future session, especially since its sponsors have accused opponents of using “undemocratic” means of impeding it.
But that seems inconceivable now that the Scottish Parliament has passed its verdict. Holyrood is supposed to be keen on “progressive” legislation and might have been expected to be eager to pass assisted dying in advance of Westminster. But it was not to be. And the reasons for its failure are instructive.
