“M&S should sell the present building to someone who can see its conversion potential” - C20 Chair @hughpearman in @TheArtNewspaper on the growing backlash to the Secretary of State’s controversial demolition decision.
Damascus is the most beautiful and compelling of cities. The ancient Christian community there were no lovers of Assad. But they were terrified of Islamic State and the rise of Islamism. They will be profoundly worried by what is going on now. Prayers for them all.
I’m biased because I agree, but @danny__kruger’s was honestly the best speech – best conclusion to one, anyway – I have heard from any living parliamentarian. Key passage:
#AssistedDyingBill
On Friday, Parliament will vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, a matter of immense moral and profound importance. I came into politics to wrestle with the serious stuff. The big issues. Of life, of living and of dying.
Those of you familiar with my views and work to date will already have a sense of my instinct on this.
After serious reflection, detailed consideration of the bill, and extensive engagement with experts and constituents, I have decided that I will vote against assisted suicide in this Bill.
As someone who has long championed improved palliative and hospice care, I firmly believe that we must do more to support those facing the end of their lives. Palliative care is a vital but undervalued aspect of our healthcare system, and its improvement should be central to our national conversations on terminal illness and end-of-life care. In my view, the availability of assisted dying/suicide highlights broader failures in this area, as some may feel or be made to think, it is their only option to manage suffering.
While I have listened carefully to the arguments in favour of the bill, I remain deeply concerned about the potential risks.
In particular vulnerable groups and the thousands of people betrayed before now despite having rights or safeguards in place across our state. If great swathes of people say they feel unseen or underserved, I am not prepared to ignore their testimony to me on this.
I am not convinced that the safeguards proposed are sufficient to prevent coercion, whether external or self-imposed. As well as the possibility that individuals might feel a burden to their families or society, leading them to make this irreversible choice, cannot be ignored.
This decision has been one of the most challenging I have faced as an MP. It is a free vote, and ultimately, my conscience and own detailed analysis guides me. I respect the sincerity of those who advocate for this bill, and want the choice of when to die, as they’ve said. However I cannot, in good faith, support legislation that I believe carries such significant risks.
I’m fully committed to continuing to engage on this, whatever the outcome of Friday’s vote. If the bill passes, I’ll work tirelessly to advocate for amendments that strengthen safeguards and address the concerns there are.
I will ensure that this debate provokes a broader societal conversation about how we approach dying well, improving palliative care, and addressing end-of-life care within our NHS and society.
Thank you everyone who attended my event on assisted dying and those who have shared their personal experiences with me.
These conversations have been invaluable and have reinforced my belief that we must prioritise compassionate and comprehensive care for all terminally ill individuals.
As we approach this pivotal vote, I remain committed to open and respectful dialogue with everyone. While I understand that my position may disappoint some, I hope you will know the thoughtfulness and integrity behind my decision.
On #MitzvahDay, we participated in a community litter-pick in North #Harrow.
Over 40 volunteers, including @Harrowlitter, and @harrow_council councillors removed plenty of litter, graffiti and posters from several areas.
Thank you to @stalbansharrow for arranging the event.
My thoughts on Assisted Dying in the Times today and why the slippery slope is not just likely - given the grounds on which the case for change is being made- it’s philosophically inevitable,
We are aware of social media posts and WhatsApp messages being shared which claim that a protest is being held in Harrow on Wednesday.
We are working with the police to verify whether a protest is taking place . If there is, we will prioritise safety of our communities
📰 | Update from Neighbourhood Superintendent Zubin Writer
Residents in Harrow can expect to see more officers in the area tomorrow and throughout the evening, responding to any concerns and available to speak to residents who may have questions or need help and advice.
UPDATE FOR HARROW RESIDENTS –
I want to thank Superintendent Zubin Writer, Harrow’s New Local Policing Lead, who has taken the time to speak to me again today.
I made clear to him that many in our community are deeply worried by the awful events that (1/7)
Mesmerizing Duet: Brahms' Hungarian Dance by Gwalia Male Choir's Conductor Wyn Hyland and Accompanist Christopher Duckett. Wyn is also our Organist and Choir director and we're so blessed to have him with us!
https://t.co/qT2HJqbKU8