I mentioned last week that space has been given for a private member’s bill to introduce assisted dying. I encouraged readers in the UK to write to their MP and ask them to vote against the Bill. If you have not yet done so, please can I encourage you to do so as soon as possible.
You can find out the contact details for your own local MP here. I’m going to share below a copy of my letter, sent via email to our own local MP, Paulette Hamilton. Whilst some organisations’ provide standard templates, I’m not convinced that it is wise to use them, cut and paste may be off putting It is best to write in your own words.
Key things to include are:
- What action you want them to take (in this case to vote against the bill and to respond and let you know their intention).
- Why the subject is of personal concern to you.
- What the reasons are for your position. I believe it is important for us as Christians to state clearly that we believe that these things matter from God’s perspective.
- What the negative impact will be.
Do make sure that you include your address and contact details as MPs only respond to matters from their own constituents.
Here’s my letter.
Dear Paulette,
I was saddened to see that a bill to introduce assisted suicide will be introduced on the 16th October. I am also concerned to hear the Prime Minister giving tacit support to this. I am writing to ask you to vote “no” to the bill.
I write as someone who has both as a church pastor and in a personal capacity had the privilege of being with people as they have walked through those last days and months of their lives. 2 years ago this included saying goodbye to my mum and my father in law within a couple of weeks of each other. I know the difference that good palliative care in the context of a culture that values life makes.
I am concerned that bringing in “assisted dying” will significantly shift our culture further away from one that values all life and shows concern for the vulnerable. As a Christian I believe that all are made in God’s image and should be treated with dignity and respect.
Earlier this year, former Conservative MP, Matthew Parris wrote in his Times’ column responding to concerns that legalised euthanasia would increase pressure on the vulnerable to see their lives as not worth living and consider seeking assistance to take their own lives in order to not be a burden on others
Parris argued that if people felt this pressure then it would be a good thing because yes, they are a burden. He argued for a philosophy that sees the elderly and the ill in terms of utility to the market and cost to the state.
I hope that our new government does not see people like that. Yet, this bill will encourage such an attitude and culture to develop in our society
Please use your vote to prevent this horrific measure from passing. Could I also ask that you let me know how you intend to vote
Thank you for all that you do as an MP to represent us. I continue to pray for you and our leaders.
Yours Sincerely
Dave Williams
Faithroots 