‘End-of-life care in Britain should enhance after assisted dying invoice failed in Commons’
“If MPs are not prepared to change the law on assisted dying, they carry an even greater responsibility to make sure nobody feels abandoned when death approaches”
Voice of the Mirror has its say…
While MPs have rejected assisted dying, the argument over how we care for people at the end of life cannot end here.
The narrow vote reflects a country divided over whether terminally ill adults should be helped to die. There are sincere fears on both sides, from the right to choose to the protection of vulnerable people.
But one truth should unite Parliament. Too many people still face their final months in pain, fear and uncertainty because palliative care in Britain is nowhere near good enough.
Hospices are stretched, families are left fighting for help and access to support can depend on where you live or whether a charity can raise enough money. That is shameful.
If MPs are not prepared to change the law on assisted dying, they carry an even greater responsibility to make sure nobody feels abandoned when death approaches.
A decent country must guarantee dignity at the end of life. We are failing to do that.
How far we’ve come
Soaps have always done more than entertain.
At their best, they hold up a mirror to Britain, reflecting our fears, prejudices and changing attitudes back at us. That is why EastEnders’ lost 1987 Christmas episode matters.
Barry Clark coming out to his homophobic father was considered so sensitive that BBC bosses lost their nerve and shelved it. Had it aired millions of viewers across the country would have seen a progressive storyline highlighting the grim reality for young gay men during the peak of AIDS hysteria.
EastEnders deserves credit for pushing boundaries even then, but this missing episode is a reminder of how timid television once felt it had to be.
The real measure of progress is that a story once judged too shocking for Christmas is now simply part of British life.
Royal thank you
The Princess of Wales’ gratitude to the Royal Marsden is both heartfelt and powerful.
After receiving “incredible” care there, she has chosen to give something back. Her Three Peaks fundraising will now help other cancer patients and families through their darkest days.
Few thank-yous could mean more, or leave a greater legacy.
