A response from Sir Peter Bottomley MP:
A terminal illness diagnosis can be devastating not only for the patient but also their whole family. Coping with terminal illness is distressing and difficult both for the patient and their families.
These cases are truly moving and evoke the highest degree of compassion and emotion.
We should continue to do what we can to make appropriate opportunities available and to reduce risks of things going unnecessarily and avoidably wrong.
The lives of the terminally ill, the frail and elderly as well as those with incurable conditions are all of equal value to our own and put simply each and all of us deserves equal protection under criminal law.
It is vital this subject receives the necessary time to be considered and MPs are given the time to examine all input before adjustments are made.
A decision cannot and should not be taken lightly.
A decision cannot and should not be taken lightly. It is right that MPs be given the time to fully examine the situation and listen to experts and those with experience.
When the end of earthly life approaches, I give thanks to the skill and love in the hospice movement here in the UK.
We must continue to do what we can to make opportunities available and to reduce risks of things going unnecessarily wrong.
Thank you to those writing in with concerns and views.
For those writing in to request that I engage in further reading, specifically the 'Time For Choice' report from Dignity In Dying, I confirm that I have read this as well as numerous other reports and reviews into the subject.
I encourage everyone to read the reports available from all sides of the argument. Engage with all views and understand the perspectives and experiences of all involved in this heartfelt and highly personal issue.
I suggest to the campaign groups, on all sides, to make realistic and sensible requests rather than issuing slick and unempathetic PR lines.
It is an important issue; one that we must get right and, therefore, should not rush.
