Strong support in Lincolnshire and Rutland for assisted dying as MPs gear up for debate on the issue
Residents in Lincolnshire and Rutland strongly support the introduction of assisted dying — according to a major poll.
A study from think tank More in Common found that 65% of people across the country are in favour of measures to allow people the right to choose to end their life — but figures show the support in our area is even stronger than that.
MPs are set to debate Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday and, if passed, this would lead to new legislation that removes the barriers that stop people asking for help to die.
The proposal would need two doctors and a judge to decide if a person meets the criteria — and the rules would only be open to those who have made a choice free from coercion and who are expected to die within six months.
Critics, however, fear vulnerable people may be pressured to end their life before they are ready — and MPs are set to vote using their own judgement, rather than on party lines.
In this area, campaigner Phil Newby has been fighting for such a change to the law for several years.
The motor neurone disease sufferer has lived with the condition for 10 years and has championed the cause of an individual’s right to euthanasia. In 2020, Phil’s appeal to get the law on assisted dying changed was turned down by the High Court, but he has carried on his fight.
The More in Common poll, published by The Times, shows a constituency-by-constituency breakdown of the views held across Lincolnshire and Rutland.
It shows a variety across the region — with almost three quarters of people in favour of assisted dying in Louth and Horncastle (73.1%). All areas, however, show above-national average support, with Rutland and Stamford (68%) showing the lowest amount of residents in favour.
Lincolnshire and Rutland views on assisted dying (figure is the percentage in favour)
Louth and Horncastle 73.1%
Gainsborough 70.9%
South Holland and the Deepings 70.4%
Lincoln 70.2%
Sleaford and North Hykeham 70.1%
…and just over the border
Corby and East Northamptonshire 69.9%
North West Cambridgeshire 68.7%
What do you think? Are you in favour of assisted dying? Let us know your views in the comments below…
