STATEMENTS FROM THE CHIEF RABBI AND CARDINAL WINNING ON EUTHANASIA

Early day motion 832, tabled 14 July 1999 by Ann Winterton (Conservative). Signed by 38 members.

That this House welcomes the individual statements from the Chief Rabbi, Professor Jonathan Sacks, and from His Grace Cardinal Thomas Winning of Glasgow, each expressing deep regret and concern at the BMA guidelines on withholding and withdrawing nutrition and hydration from patients; notes that both these important religious leaders view with alarm the fact that such treatment would deliberately end the lives of patients and 'represent a shift from a value system in which human life is considered sacrosanct to one in which its value is relative and subjective'; applauds their call to politicians, regardless of political affiliation, 'to exert their influence to curb the disturbing trend towards the legislation of euthanasia'; and in response calls, once again, on the Secretary of State immediately to circulate all hospitals and health care workers to emphasise that the BMA guidelines contravene the present law and should not be adopted.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, Conservative 11, Liberal Democrat 5, UUP 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Independent 1.