By Democrat reporter
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur has addressed the Hospice UK conference in Glasgow, making the case for his assisted dying bill as well as improved access to palliative care.
The Scottish Parliament’s health committee is currently taking evidence on Mr McArthur’s Assisted Dying (Scotland) bill ahead. It will produce a committee report before the bill is voted on next year.
Mr McArthur said: “I firmly believe there is a need to invest more in palliative care, not least to improve access. I’m pleased the debate around my bill has shone more of a light on this issue and will continue to lend my weight to efforts in this regard.
“But this is not an either/or question. We need both improved investment in and access to palliative care alongside the choice of an assisted death for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
“Moreover, research consistently shows that requests for an assisted death are driven by a desire for autonomy, control, and dignity – not a lack of care.
“International evidence consistently shows approx. 80% of people are already in or receiving hospice and/or palliative care when making the request for assisted dying. More have access but have chosen not to use it.
“Assisted dying is not a failure of palliative care; it is an extension of patient-centred care.
“By incorporating assisted dying into their services, hospices can offer a continuum of support that aligns with their mission to alleviate suffering and uphold dignity.
“Looking ahead, I want to see a Scotland where assisted dying is seamlessly integrated into a compassionate, inclusive framework for end-of-life care.
“Hospices will continue to be places of safety, where patients are empowered to make informed decisions about their care.
“Achieving this vision will require collaboration among legislators, hospice leaders, medical professionals and other stakeholders.
“It will require courage to challenge misconceptions and empathy to bridge differing perspectives.
“But above all, it will require a commitment to put patients at the centre of every decision.
“Assisted dying, like hospice care, is rooted in the desire to alleviate suffering and respect the dignity and preferences of every individual. These goals are not in conflict; they are complementary.
“Together, we can ensure that hospices remain places of compassion, choice, and empathy—no matter what decisions patients make at the end of their lives.”
A full copy of his speech can be found here.
Meanwhile, Mr McArthur has slammed the government for publishing their Biodiversity Strategy two years after they first promised it.
After a round of consultations, the SNP and Greens published their draft Biodiversity Strategy in December 2022. They committed to publishing a final version following the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15), but this never happened.
In July 2023, former Circular Economy Minister and Green MSP Lorna Slater announced that rather than proceeding with publishing the strategy, the government would hold a second consultation. This further delayed new policies until the full consultation took place.
Mr McArthur said: “Delays and excuses have dogged this strategy. Published two years after it was first promised, there are now big questions over how seriously the SNP is treating the nature and climate emergencies.
“Scotland is a beautiful country and we should be doing everything we can to protect and enhance its natural assets.
“I want to see a government that recognises we live in partnership with nature and demands better for our planet. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen much evidence of that under the SNP.”