Disability group Not Dead Yet UK has called for Shadow Disabilities Minister Kate Green to resign after she said that she backs controversial assisted suicide proposals.
In an interview with the Disability News Service, Ms Green was asked about fellow Labour MP Rob Marris’ bill to legalise assisted suicide. She said: “I’m in favour of the concept. Assuming it’s going to be similar to the one ... that was debated in the last Parliament" (referring to Lord Falconer's 2014 bill).
She acknowledged that people with disabilities might be "horrified" and "outraged" by her position.
In response to her comments, Not Dead Yet UK tweeted: "This is shocking. @KateGreenSU should resign. Disabled ppl want assistance to live not die!"
The group later added: "Disabled ppls orgs have asked her to resign. It's untenable to support #assistedsuicide and represent disabled ppl!"
'Hear direct from disabled people'
In the interview, Ms Green said that she wanted to hear from disability groups about the issue of assisted suicide:
“I would like to hear direct from disabled people and from organisations… in order that I can assess the range of views and how people feel about this and the concerns that they have."
But she went on to say that she had no plans to resign over her backing for the bill:
“I have no intention of not continuing unless and until it becomes clear to me that I should not do so. That is not my feeling now.”
‘Opportunity today’
The revelation came just days before a special event, taking place today (14 July) in Westminster. Disability groups have gathered this afternoon to meet MPs to explain their strong opposition to assisted suicide.
Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said that she hoped the shadow disabilities minister would attend today's event:
“Kate Green has said that she wants to hear from those with disabilities about their opposition to assisted suicide so I hope that she makes it a priority to be there today. It is vital that as many MPs as possible hear directly from some of those who will be most at risk if this dangerous bill becomes law."
The text of Mr Marris’ bill has not yet been published, but it is expected to echo Lord Falconer’s latest bill in the House of Lords.
The second reading of the bill is scheduled to take place on Friday 11 September, shortly after MPs return from their summer break. Those opposed to the bill are therefore being encouraged to contact their MPs to express their concerns as soon as possible.
'Disability groups not seeking assisted suicide'
Not Dead Yet UK was founded in 2006 by Baroness Jane Campbell, who herself has a disability. The organisation describes itself as "a network of disabled people in the UK ...who oppose the legalised killing of disabled people."
The group explains on its website:
"Not one organisation of, or for, disabled and terminally ill people have campaigned for any change to current legislation. This includes organisations that advocate on behalf of people with multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease; two disabling conditions that are often referred to when describing who would benefit most from a change in legislation.
"Opposition to assisted suicide is not confined to the medical profession and religious groups. Most importantly, it includes the very people whom would be most affected by any change in legislation."