Meeting of the Parliament 04 February 2026
I rise to speak to the motion. This is a complicated matter involving an SI in relation to the Scotland Act 1998. I believe, as do some in the UK Parliament, that the SI is far too narrowly drawn and does not clarify which sections prevent the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill from being within the competence of the Scottish Parliament. It would be helpful if the Scottish Government clarified which parts of the bill do not fall within the competence of the Scottish Parliament.
At this stage, I am happy to give way to the minister if he wants to come in. Okay—I see that he does not.
As someone who is vehemently against assisted dying, I cannot vote for the SI, as it seeks to allow Scottish Government ministers to identify suitable drugs to assist dying. There is huge concern about the efficacy and safety of any drugs used for assisted dying. As limited information is collected from clinicians and no drugs are available for the on-label purpose of assisted dying, I am not sure how ministers will make that decision.