A matter of life and death | The News Agents

The assisted dying bill goes before MPs on Friday. If it goes through it will mark one on the biggest social changes in legislation the country has seen, and Britain will join around a dozen other countries who have decided to allow the state to step in at end of life. The tight parameters around the legislation mean only those who are terminally ill and facing six months or less to live would be given the choice of ending their lives on their terms. And they have to be residents of England or Wales.

Today, the News Agents discuss, with honesty and a little confusion, how we are each feeling about it. We ask what part religion may be playing in MPs decisions and what is at stake if the bill passes or if it fails.

#uk #ukpolitics #assisteddying #ukparliament #ukgovernment #keirstarmer #labour #bill #labourparty #News #Politics #NewsAgents #EmilyMaitlis #JonSopel #LewisGoodall

Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall – three of the UK’s top journalists – host a daily news podcast: The News Agents.

They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed!

Episodes are available every weekday afternoon.

The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast.

[nuigulumarZ]

Imagine if this was the "compulsory suffering bill", where MPs had to vote whether the state should compel somebody diagnosed with a terminal illness to undergo 6 months of pain and misery before they were allowed to die. Because it is.

[tom_]

Lewis makes a really important point around 20:30 onward when he talks about opponents of the bill who’re are influenced by their religion not being up front about it. They’re very coy about admitting “I’m against it on religious grounds” because they know to a secular society it doesn’t hold weight, or worse makes them seem of unsound judgement (or even crazy).

[rhysdavies]

At the age of 84, I need this law to be enacted now, so that I have the comfort of knowing that should I have a terminal condition and in the last few weeks of my life, if I undergo horrendous suffering whi ch palliative care cannot control, I can control what happens to my own body.

[nickwalters]

Assisted dying has gone on for years if you or your family are rich enough. It's not hard to do. Time to make the choice available to the general public.

[David-jhg]

as a RMN i worked for ten yrs with families with incurable terminal conditions....this is sooo important to happen...

[e.l]

I saw a close family member who I loved dearly become a shell of the person they were from long term illness. Being a small child at the times I saw how awful it was. I have already told my family should I be diagnosed with an illness or have an accident it's my wish for my life to end while I'm still aware and not in huge pain. This bill will truly relieve the pain and suffering of so many in a dignified way ... There is nothing more caring and human! I sincerely hope it passes!

[jackthebassman]

A friend’s wife’s parents both had the type of disease that affected their muscular functions and suffered the most appalling, agonising and distressing end of life. I’m a coward and wouldn’t want to die like that, or for my family’s anguish if that occurred to me.

[WickedDandelion]

This discussion brings us back to the issue of "my body, my choice". If we are pro-'choice', then the bill should pass. I am dismayed that this has to go through a parliamentary process, when it is the people that will decide. If more than 60% are in favour and it appears that all of the abuse safeguards have been built into the bill, then just vote it through. Ultimately, it is the patient's choice - end of discussion.

[chrisr]

The proposed safeguards seem measured and reasonable.

[simonpatkinson]

Grieves….what about the State forcing people to live, sometimes in extreme pain…isn’t that a violation of human rights?

[philipk]

Withdraw all pain medication for any religious objector to this bill. Enjoy !

[HowAdult]

People should be given the choice. its the more humane thing to do. Understandably the practicalities need to be ironed out. But that should be worked on and resolved to make it happen for the people.

[Zaarin]

I don't think anyone cares what three former tory prime ministers think about anything

[AH-tegs]

I wonder if all those who from a religious perspective oppose assisted dying also oppose the death penalty. Somehow I doubt it.

[GazGaryGazza]

Sopel "It's remarkable that abortion hasn't been a culture wars issue" No problem Johnny, today Farage has highlighted he has a problem with abortion

[NickDartnall]

Old Maitlis has been eating lemons again😂😂. What does a former Attorney General know let's listen to Curly, Larry and Mo😂😂😂😂

[mollypenwhistle]

Is it not abuse to allow or indeed make, someone suffer when they don’t have to.

[MrAsiadream]

the only diference from now is this may take the guessing out of what to take

[jasonwood]

Obama in his book - Audacity of Hope - wisely separated his personal beliefs and the desire to allow others the freedom to follow their own. Therefore, it wasn't right to have those beliefs made into Laws... because not everyone believes what I believed.

[markwalding]

That anyone following the abrahamic religions opposed this because of the sanctity of life is extremely ironic. Have they never read their holy books? The sanctity of life takes a very back seat to vengeful deeds and threats.