We are a large group of UK citizens who urgently call on MPs to vote against the ASSISTED DYING BILL on FRIDAY 29th NOVEMBER 2024.

We fear the legalisation of the active termination of people's lives by doctors in our country. The government should be addressing the huge gaps in palliative and hospice care rather than legalising Assisted Dying. We should prioritise allowing people to spend their remaining time in comfort and dignity, not introduce a system that stands to save the government money by speeding up death.

We are concerned that an Assisted Dying option puts pressure on both doctors and patients, potentially eroding the trust the public places in doctors. In countries where Assisted Dying has been legalised, patients, in particular the most vulnerable, including the elderly, disabled, and those who are socially isolated and experiencing deprivation, have reported feeling pressurised to agree to speed up their own deaths for fear of being a burden to carers, and healthcare and allied systems.

We are concerned that mistakes may be made when it comes to doctors' evaluating patients' choices regarding Assisted Dying. There will be no way back for these patients if the wrong decision is taken.

Evidence from other countries that have legalised Assisted Dying has shown that it will lead to a slippery slope, whereby Assisted Dying will be viewed as an acceptable alternative to quality palliative care. Assisted Dying will set a dangerous precedent, especially while we continue to struggle with providing basic care and comfort for our sick and elderly.

Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion, without any pressure to hasten their death.