Chance to have say on assisted suicide
Law makers want to hear your views on assisted suicide.
The director of public prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, is calling on readers to help shape the policy when it comes to prosecutions for assisted suicide.
Mr Starmer said: 'I am keen for as many people as possible to take part in this debate, including readers of The News.
'I recognise how sensitive this area of law is and I respect the fact that there are many people who hold strong views on assisted suicide. I want to hear those views and that is why I have launched a public consultation.
'By considering as many opinions as possible, I can produce a final policy which is true to both the law and public feeling.'
Assisting suicide has been a criminal offence in the UK for nearly 50 years, and Mr Starmer said his policy did nothing to change that.
'There are also no guarantees against prosecution and it is my job to ensure that the most vulnerable people are protected while at the same time giving enough information to people who want to be able to make informed decisions about what actions they may choose to take,' he said.
'I also want to make it clear that this policy does not, in any way, permit euthanasia.
'The taking of life by another person is murder or manslaughter – which are among the most serious criminal offences.'
Anyone who wishes to comment can visit cps.gov.uk or write to: Assisted Suicide Policy Team, Crown Prosecution Service Headquarters, 6th floor, 50 Ludgate Hill, London, EC4M 7EX. The closing date is December 16.
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
