News that Sean Davison’s case has now been delayed until June will have been regarded as a mixed blessing by campaigners supporting Kim Leadbeater’s assisted dying Bill next Friday.
On the one hand, they will be relieved that the case will not be drawing media attention whilst the Bill is, hopefully, making its way through the Parliamentary process. On the other hand they will be worried about this further example of the strained capacity of the UK Court system. Adding to that burden by seeking the involvement of High Court Judges in the “safeguards” required by the new Bill can only reduce its Parliamentary support still further.
It is terrible that Sean is now required to wait for a full year between his arrest and his first Court appearance. What is just as terrible is that such news has been received with little surprise by anyone. The whole UK Judicial system is now generally regarded as sclerotic. Our reputation for fairness, justice and citizens’ rights must really be taking a pounding as a result.
In the recent YouGov poll, almost 75% of the British public said they believed in principle that assisted dying should be legal. Only 13% were opposed. Just as significantly, more than half of all respondents (55%) also thought that the Bill should be extended to include patients whose illnesses are incurable and debilitating – but not terminal. That is an extension that Dignity in Dying is opposing.
Insiders say that the Parliamentary vote on Friday is likely to be very close. We shall soon know.
