Speeches by Gordon.

“Q My question is probably more for Alex. When you were coming to the criteria and the safeguards in the Bill in your state, how did that then interplay with other regions and states nearby? Obviously, in the UK the Bill that we are looking at would be applicable to England and Wales. Scotland has its own assisted dying…”

“Q We have had a lot of conversations and taken a lot of evidence over the last few days about a gag clause to prohibit medical professionals raising assisted dying as part of the options at end of life. We have heard from different states and jurisdictions on whether or not that is something that they had. Broadly spea…”

“Q Thank you all for coming here and sharing your personal experiences. I think it really adds to this, and it is why we are all here. My question is about access, which is one of the conversations surrounding the Bill, and how, if we do not legislate now, we might not see another debate or Bill brought forward for pote…”

“Q I would like to direct my question to Dr Neerkin. We have heard from lots of different jurisdictions where assisted dying is commonplace now. In those areas, the actual uptake is very small. That is in places where they have a lot less in the way of safeguards than we do in this Bill. Can you comment on the fact that…”

“Q My questions are to Dr Graham and Lord Sumption. The Bill, in its current form, has several opportunities for confirming capacity and whether the people who want to take up assisted dying have the capacity to do so; there are a number of safeguards and steps within it. That is more than is typically required for any …”

“Q I have a question for Professor Esmail. One of the things that we have talked about with different witnesses is whether we should have a wider panel of people looking at these decisions; that might encompass people from social care, medical or legal backgrounds. I think that that would make sure that some of the issu…”

“Q One of the things that we have heard from other countries that have assisted dying is that this is one of the strongest and most robust laws. I wonder whether Professor Shakespeare has any more views on how we could make the Bill even tighter, and provide support and further peace of mind to people who might be worri…”

“Q One of the things that we have heard from other people and other jurisdictions is about moving away from a High Court judge, and having a multidisciplinary team and panel. Do you think that would further strengthen the Bill, and would you support that? Professor Shakespeare: I think the law is only one of the influen…”

“Q Since the assisted dying Bill had its Second Reading, we have seen announcements from the Government about investment into palliative care. Obviously that is mostly capital and we need to see more long-term funding. Do you feel we are already seeing increases as a result of this conversation? Is there any reason why …”

“Q To build on that point—which is pretty much what I was going to ask and what I am trying to get to—Sue Ryder’s evidence to the Health and Social Care Committee inquiry into assisted dying gave examples of exactly that: cases where increases in the funding of palliative care came alongside the introduction of assisted…”

“That was a really comprehensive answer. I think the key point that you touched on is the multidisciplinary approach.”

“Q That is really helpful. I wonder how people like you and organisations like yours see your role in the assisted dying process. Do you think it might be better if you were further involved? Glyn Berry: In our association, we have a list of recommendations. We are very conscious that the Bill is very heavy from a clini…”

“Q In its current form, the Bill looks quite heavily at medical professionals; we have already heard from lots of experts in that area. In social care and palliative care, you often deal with those difficult conversations. What lessons and advice might you be able to give? How might you feed into the process? Glyn Berry…”

“Q It was suggested by people who gave evidence earlier today that people might start exploring the option of assisted dying for fear of feeling a burden, and that the law cannot adequately deal with people who might be self-pressurising. Is that something that you have seen and witnessed? How do you address that motiva…”

“Q What further steps do we need to take to improve palliative care? How do you define when palliative care is sufficient to allow assisted dying? I am struggling with how we say we have reached that threshold. Is there ever going to be a point where we can say we have got the best palliative care? Dr Cox: I will give y…”

“I recently visited a school in my constituency in a building that is hundreds of years old. Its school condition allocation does not cover the work needed to keep the school warm, safe and up to date. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that classrooms in older buildings are fitted out?”

“A year ago today, the former MPs Theresa May and Sir George Howarth launched their inquiry report into type 1 diabetes and disordered eating. The report made a number of recommendations to ensure the funding and continuation of the T1DE pilot services that have been started around the country. Since then, two services …”

“I am sure the Minister will recall our intimate Adjournment debate before the House rose for the Christmas recess—it was just her and me here. [Interruption.] Yes, and it was the day after our Christmas party, so it was an interesting debate. I sincerely welcome the steps that the Minister has outlined for solid wall i…”

“Will the hon. Member give way?”

“I want to touch on a few bits of language that have been used so far that just worry me slightly. When we talk about the value that experts can add to this process, it is not necessarily helpful for someone to try to say that some experts would be better than others in that regard. The phrase “best person” was used in …”