First Minister to oppose Scottish Assisted Suicide Bill

The Scottish First Minister John Swinney has said that he will vote against an Assisted Suicide Bill when it comes before the Scottish Parliament next week.

Liam McArthur’s Bill is due to be voted on by MSPs on 13 May, and would allow patients with a terminal illness to take lethal drugs to end their own life if they have been ruled fit to make the decision by two doctors.

Swinney said: “"I've come to the conclusion that I can't support it (the legislation) because I'm worried that it would fundamentally change the relationships between patients and clinicians.

"I'm worried that some of the vulnerable in our society might feel that they are a burden and that they may therefore opt or feel under pressure to end their life prematurely."

“I'm concerned that we don't have a guarantee that the legislation could essentially extend in scope beyond the decision in principle.”

Swinney had previously expressed concern about the Bill’s intention to allow people as young as 16 to access Assisted Suicide, but in response, McArthur changed the minimum age in his legislation to 18, prompting fears that Swinney might come out in support of the Bill.

Swinney continued: "I can't separate myself from my own judgements. I'm a man of faith. I believe that we are all individually and equally created in the likeness of God.

"I also have my family perspective on this – my wife has a terminal condition and that is something we live with. I can't for a moment suggest that these real factors have had no impact on the decision I've made."

Although the vote next week will be a matter of conscience, the First Minister’s public intervention may persuade some who are undecided to oppose the Bill. Some other politicians, including First Minister Humza Yousuf, have indicated that they also intend to vote against.