Good afternoon friend,



Last night, Lord Forsyth’s assisted dying amendment was narrowly defeated (45%
in favour, 55% opposed) after the Government instructed Conservative Peers to
vote against it. The Government has done a disservice not only to dying Britons
who suffer under a law that is dangerous and cruel, but also to our democracy by
curtailing the debate of an issue that 84% of the general public support.



However the closeness of the vote, especially given the Government’s action,
makes clear that assisted dying remains unfinished business in Parliament. The
amendment didn’t ask Peers to support assisted dying in principle, but to commit
Parliament to a full examination of the current law and a more compassionate
alternative. The Government's refusal to facilitate the debate ignores the will
of the people. If you haven’t already please sign our government petition
[[link removed]] to demonstrate the need for parliamentary time on assisted dying.



Yes, I'll sign the petition → [[link removed]]

I want to thank everyone who wrote to Peers ahead of the vote - this contributed enormously to the significant number of new Peers who voted
in favour and will have been a motivating factor for Tory Peers who broke the
whip.



Having experienced the cruelty of the current law first hand during his father’s
death, Lord Forsyth simply wanted the Government to give the issue the time it
deserves. When a proper process for debate can happen, as it does in many other
jurisdictions including in Scotland, parliamentarians are convinced by the
enormous benefits of law change.



New polling published this week shows that 8 in 10 Brits want the Government to guarantee a debate
[[link removed]] before the next election. Choice in dying isn’t an idealistic or radical
proposition. It is a modest reform on which the public expect and demand change.



Please, show your support today by signing our petition
[[link removed]] . If you’ve already signed, please send this link to friends and family: [link removed]
[[link removed]]



Yes, I'll sign the petition → [[link removed]]

The Government needs to know the mistake it has made in blocking this amendment.
Please SIGN and SHARE
[[link removed]] our petition today, keep the pressure up, and I’ll be in touch soon to let you
know what’s next.



Thank you for all your support.



Together we can change the law.





Sarah Wootton

Chief Executive

Dignity in Dying



Our campaign is powered by members - people who support us with a small regular
gift so we can plan out the most effective actions to bring about an assisted
dying law. Sign up and join thousands of other Dignity in Dying members across the
country, from just £2 a month:

Become a member now
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