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   MPs call for debate on assisted death guidelines
New guidelines published on assisting suicide could open a "new back door to euthanasia in the UK", the Commons heard today. MPs demanded time to debate new guidance published today by the director of public prosecutions to clarify the law on assisted suicide in England and Wales. Director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer had earlier said each case would be judged on its merits and denied he had legalised assisted suicide or "opened the door to euthanasia". During questions on future business Labour MP David Winnick (Walsall North) argued that it would be useful to have a debate on the law on assisted suicide. He stressed the importance of holding a debate "in view of the controversy about assisted suicide". Commons leader Harriet Harman responded that the House of Lords had indeed debated the issue more recently than the Commons. Richard Ottaway (Con, Croydon South) asked if the announcements made today on assisted suicide resulted in a change in the law. He added that if that were the case then the House should have a debate and vote on this. Mark Pritchard (Con, The Wrekin) joined the calls for an urgent debate on the issue due to concern that it was up to Parliament to set the law and for the courts to interpret that. "There is real concern out in the community that this House is not having a say. People are very concerned that this is a new back door to euthanasia in the UK," he said. In response Commons leader Harriet Harman insisted there had been no change to the law and that she will look into when the House will have the opportunity to debate the issue. She told MPs: "We have got new guidelines under the order of the court that has been brought forward by the Director of Public Prosecutions and I think the position is clear." Photo: Commons leader Harriet Harman Source: ePolitix.com Copyright Dod's Parliamentary Communications Ltd
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