McArthur responds to Scottish Government evidence submission on assisted dying

Responding to the publication of the Scottish Government's evidence submission on assisted dying, Liam McArthur MSP said:

"I welcome the input of the Scottish Government and the commitment it has made to ensure a free vote on the bill alongside its position of neutrality on assisted dying.

"The Presiding Officer has certified that the Scottish Parliament can pass a bill in this area but I have always been clear that the Scottish and UK Governments will need to agree to measures that will ensure that a truly comprehensive assisted dying process can operate in Scotland.

"There are established mechanisms for transferring powers to enable legislation to be fully enacted in Scotland and no reason why these cannot be applied in this case.

"Our current laws on assisted dying are failing too many terminally ill Scots, often leaving them facing an undignified and sometimes painful death despite the very best efforts of palliative care. The bill I have put forward will give terminally ill, mentally competent adults the option to control the manner and timing of their death."