A Second Election Question from Fr Peter to Party Candidates for the Constituency Seat of Finchley & Golders Green: assisted suicide

A Second Election Question from Fr Peter to Party Candidates for the Constituency Seat of Finchley & Golders Green:

Where do you stand on the legalisation of assisted suicide?

“I am against assisted dying and euthanasia. My reasons, which remain unchanged, are set out here:https://conservativehome.com/2006/05/12/alex_deane_the_-2/

Alex Deane. The Conservative Party

“I understand that individuals have deep convictions and concerns about assisted dying. It is an issue whose time has come - the next Parliament, like those of other countries have done, should debate it and draw on the widest possible range of experts to ensure that a new law is nuanced and contains safeguards against any form of coercion. Overall, and provided there are sufficient safeguards, I am in favour of some change to the law so that those with a terminal illness can avail themselves of assisted dying at home rather than have to travel abroad for help.

As with any policy which is based on profoundly moral grounds, there is rarely a clear and absolute answer determining the right course of action. But I believe individual choice, personal integrity and the avoidance of prolonged suffering outweigh the counter arguments.

That having been said, politicians have to take great care to be wary of the challenges a change in the law would present and must be mindful of both learned opinion and public sentiment, albeit ultimately using their own, independent judgement when it comes to supporting enabling legislation.”

Sarah Sackman. The Labour Party

Sarah Hoyle from “The Liberal Democrats” did not return an answer.

Steven Parsons from “The Green Party” did not return an answer due to personal reasons.

A Third Election Question from Fr Peter to Party Candidates

for the Constituency Seat of Finchley & Golders Green:

Shortages and funding cuts are causing a “full blown crises” in special needs education for children and young people in England, according to school leaders who say they are struggling to give pupils the support they require (NB). How can you rectify this and where will funding come from?

NB – This came as a result of a survey by NAHT and reported in the mainstream press on Saturday 4th May 2024. I have also seen the impact of this in our two parish schools.

“My mother was a teacher for her entire career and moved to teaching at a local school for children with profound and multiple special needs for a decade before her retirement. It is part of why I have always cared deeply about what happens in this sector and worked in education policy for two shadow secretaries of state. That school in Suffolk faces the same pressures you describe in your question. How we treat children in these circumstances reflects what kind of society we are and the kind of people we wish to be. The money that’s needed can be found from taxation and, if need be, government borrowing. We can question much government spending – but not this.”

Alex Deane. The Conservative Party

Sarah Hoyle from “The Liberal Democrats” did not return an answer.

Steven Parsons from “The Green Party” did not return an answer.

Sarah Sackman from “The Labour Party” did not return an answer.