Assisted Dying: Legislation

Debate between Lord Dholakia and Lord Keen of Elie

Monday 16th January 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I entirely understand the noble Baroness’s observations in this context. The whole question of risk associated with such legislation was addressed by the Supreme Court when it opined in 2014 in the case of Nicklinson and Lamb. The President of the Supreme Court and Lord Sumption both observed that the data on risk were plainly way short of establishing that there was no risk in such legislation. Lord Sumption went on to observe that there were further societies engaged in this area which had clear reservations about the development of any legislation on this matter.

[Lord Dholakia (LD)]

My Lords, the Minister will be aware that the CPS updated its policy in cases of assisted suicide in February 2010 and in October 2014. Whereas I well understand the reluctance to change any particular legislation, will the Minister consider in consultation with his colleagues and the CPS what further reforms are necessary in relation to the CPS policy on assisted dying?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

My Lords, the matter of CPS policy must be left to the CPS to determine independently of Parliament. It is not for government to dictate what that policy, which is regularly reviewed, should be. For example, in the period from 2009 to 2016 the very large majority of cases referred to the CPS were not proceeded with in the context of prosecution.

Young Asylum Seekers: Deportation

Debate between Lord Dholakia and Lord Keen of Elie

Monday 9th May 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I am not entirely clear what the noble Baroness refers to by way of the criteria, but I will consider what she has said and I will undertake to write if we are in a position to do so.

[Lord Dholakia (LD)]

My Lords, what account is taken of in-country reports, particularly those produced by Amnesty International and Save the Children, before a person is deported to their country?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I am very sorry, but I did not hear the question from the noble Lord. I apologise—it is my fault.

[Lord Dholakia]

I will repeat the question. What account is taken of in-country reports, particularly those produced by Amnesty International and Save the Children, before an individual is deported to their country of origin?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

The Home Office has regard to all in-country reports that are available to it before arriving at a conclusion with regard to individual countries.