Croydon MP calls for clarity on assisted suicide laws
by Aline Nassif
aline.nassif@essnmedia.co.uk
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CALLING FOR CLARITY: Richard Ottaway
Richard Ottaway has stepped up his campaign for "non-negotiable" legislation on the highly controversial subject of assisted suicide.
The Croydon South MP believes the issue is a hot topic locally and wants guidelines drawn up to make it clear exactly when someone can be prosecuted.
He said: "For the last 17 years, ever since I've been an MP in Croydon, hundreds of my constituents have approached me about the subject.
"There are those who believe in the sanctity of life and wouldn't encourage assisted suicide, but there are others who believe you should have some say in how you terminate your life.
"I err towards the latter, and I have been campaigning on behalf of Croydon residents to get parliament to legislate so people know where they stand."
Mr Ottaway has welcomed Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer's call for people to give their views on his temporary guidelines on assisted suicide, ahead of a final draft next spring.
The policy will seek to clarify situations such as where the person is suffering a terminal illness and has made an explicit request to die.
Mr Ottaway, however, remains unsatisfied with the likelihood of a policy that is not legally binding, as it will continue to give rise to clashes in the courts.
He said: "One of my constituents was an elderly man who was very unwell and in considerable pain.
"He approached me to say he wanted to terminate his life with the help of his wife but he was too afraid she would be prosecuted, and urged me to repeal the law. He didn't have the end to life he wanted.
"A fresh set of guidelines, which has no legal authority, will continue to leave such people in fear of the consequences of their actions."
Anyone who wants to get involved in the consultation should visit www.cps.gov.uk.
*Are you concerned by the issue of assisted suicide? If so call the Advertiser on 020 8760 7615 to let us know your views.
9 Comments
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by The3rd, Croydon
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 11:10AM
“Message to Mr Ottaway: No amount of "spin" you put into the local papers will save you're job come the next election. You are a "dead man walking" as the saying goes.
The public will not forgot about your unrepenful expense scandal.”
by Marcus Thorpe, Surbiton
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 11:03AM
“Mr Ottaway, you are a Parasite sir, concentrate on being honest.”
by john, turkey
Tuesday, November 03 2009, 3:46PM
“who in there right mind is going to consult that pompous prat about the legality of assisted suicide john hall”
by jack, turkey
Tuesday, November 03 2009, 3:43PM
“who in there right mind is going to consult that pompous prat about the legality of assisted suicide”
by SV, Croydon
Monday, November 02 2009, 11:11PM
“Is he pictured in his Tax Payer paid Constituency Home in the Surrey Village of Bletchingly? or do the window bars tell a different location? perhaps his main home in Westminster?
Is he worried about the cost to the taxpayer of all these very sick constituents?
A Tory savings plan perhaps?
Has Richard lost a job recently? He used to be paid £50,000 per year by an oil company. Is that still paying out?
It is odd to see him in the press so often. Perhaps he will start a 'grand tour' of his constituency?”