ASSISTED DEATH

Early day motion 783, tabled 26 February 2003 by James Plaskitt (Labour). Signed by 36 members.

That this House notes that the House of Lords' decision in the case of Pretty makes it clear that in accordance with section 2(4) of the Suicide Act 1961 it lies with the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide which cases he believes should or should not be prosecuted; further notes that, in particular, Lord Hope found that the DPP is entitled to form and publish a policy as to the criteria he will apply when exercising his discretion under section 2(4) of the Act; and calls upon the Government to ensure this policy is published as a matter of urgency, so families set to travel abroad to help their terminally ill relatives receive an assisted death can regulate their conduct with reference to the criminal law.

Signatures by party: Labour 26, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour/Co-operative 3, Conservative 1.