Speech in Lords Chamber - Tue 14 Apr 2026 Middle East
"My Lords, yesterday’s Statement refers to the fact that Britain needs to be energy independent and that we need to take control of our energy bills. Will the Lord Privy Seal comment on whether His Majesty’s Government are considering increasing gas reserve capacity, which I have found is low compared …..." Baroness Watkins of Tavistock - View Speech
"I accept that. There was a helpful article in one of the newspapers this week talking about using the term “assisted death” rather than “assisted suicide”. I am pleased that I have had the opportunity to say it in the Chamber...." Baroness Watkins of Tavistock - View Speech
"My Lords, I am broadly supportive of tightening the issue of ensuring that people’s conscience and beliefs are recognised and I support people who are prepared to work with patients who are, I remind the House, terminally ill adults wanting an end-of-life story that is different from full, extensive palliative …..." Baroness Watkins of Tavistock - View Speech
"My Lords, if there is a Division in the Chamber while we are sitting—I must stress that one is expected—the Committee will adjourn as soon as the Division Bells are rung and resume, at the very latest, after 10 minutes. We are very tight for time if we are going …..." Baroness Watkins of Tavistock - View Speech
"I just wanted to stress, particularly for Hansard, that the people we are talking about are ultimately going to die from the illness they have had. Therefore, when the noble Lord has referred to them not wanting to die, he means that they do not want an assisted death...." Baroness Watkins of Tavistock - View Speech
"My Lords, we have already had extensive discussion about the multidisciplinary team involvement. In 50 years of nursing—not all in clinical—I have never heard a doctor come out with, “You’ve definitely got six months to live”. There are much more subtle conversations.
"Could I further clarify and ask a question? Is it not true that if any doctor or nurse is doubtful when telemedicine is happening, they will ask that person to come in to be seen?..." Baroness Watkins of Tavistock - View Speech