Thank you for contacting me about assisted dying.
I have the utmost sympathy for anyone dealing with a life-threatening or degenerative condition and their loved ones experiencing the pain of this. We recognise that this is an incredibly difficult issue about which there are strong views held on both sides.
It is absolutely reasonable to have a conversation on what is such an important topic, and it is right that we locate that question within a broader discussion of how we care for people at the end of their lives. We continue to observe changing views in the medical profession and in the international debate on this.
We will maintain the position that assisted dying is a matter of conscience and will respect the will of Parliament. Debates on assisted dying should never distract from the importance of delivering high-quality palliative care services and we will continue to support children’s and adults’ hospices.