Extract from Commons
Urgent Question on Coronavirus Regulations: Assisted Deaths
Abroad
(Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con): It is very difficult
to tell somebody who is in pain and suffering and who wants to die
that the state is going to prevent them from doing that. As a Roman
Catholic, I recently changed my mind on the issue because of my
constituent Mr Noel Conway, who lives in Garmston near Shrewsbury.
I said to him, “Why don’t you go to Switzerland?” and his answer
will stay with me forever: “No, I’m an Englishman. I want to die in
England.” It is extremely important that our citizens have that
right. Will the Secretary of State do me the courtesy of agreeing
to a short Zoomcall with my constituent Mr Noel
Conway, who is getting a national reputation as a leading
campaigner on the issue?
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (): I would be happy to have that meeting with Mr
Conway. I have spoken to others in the same circumstances who
have made the case strongly. The compassion of the case cannot be
overstated. I also respect the fact that many hon. Members, as
has been reflected today, have deeply held views. We should make
sure that the conversation happens; that there is, rightly, a
debate about the topic, as there is in many other countries right
now; and that it is conducted in an evidence-based, sensible and
compassionate way.
Extract from Committee
stage (Commons) of the Pension Schemes Bill
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and
Pensions ():...I have had discussions with the right hon.
Gentleman, both in writing and in person, and with other
colleagues on the Work and Pensions Committee, stakeholders,
interested parties and other parliamentary colleagues. I have
also engaged at great length, sadly by Zoom with the all-party
parliamentary group on pension scams, and then followed that up
individually...
