‘No one has grappled with detail’ of assisted dying impact on courts, peer warns

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A former Lord Chief Justice has said that “no-one has grappled with the detail” of the impact that assisted dying legislation could have on the court system. Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, who held the role in England and Wales between 2013 and 2017, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme “the process and the impact on the court system is really something about which there should be information before we decide in principle to proceed” with the plans. He later added: “The process and the impact on the court system is really something about which there should be information before we decide in principle to proceed.” I think it’s so important that people are able to have a good death and that families feel that their loved one was able to die in the most peaceful way possible in accordance with their views Alison McGovern The vote on Friday will be a free vote allowing MPs to decide in line with their conscience, and it has meant that senior ministers have openly given a variety of opinions on the issue. I’ve listened to my constituents who have been so kind and so generous to share with me their experiences, and I want to listen to my colleagues in the debate in full and decide how to vote.” She added: “I think it’s so important that people are able to have a good death and that families feel that their loved one was able to die in the most peaceful way possible in accordance with their views, but I haven’t decided on this issue.” The Cabinet is split on the issue, with more members believed to be in favour than against.