MPs statement on DPP guidelines

MPs Statement on Assisted Suicide Guidelines from the DPP
“The Primacy  of Parliament Must Be Protected”

Jim Dobbin MP and the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe MP have issued a joint statement making it clear that they will take up the issue of the Interim Guidelines issued by Mr Keir Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on assisted suicide as soon as Parliament reconvenes after the summer recess.   Their statement says:
“We are in no doubt that for all the fact that both the DPP and the Law Lords have claimed it is not their job to change the law that is precisely what they are doing.   In his interim guidelines, Mr Starmer gives what amounts to a list of do’s and don’ts if you want to avoid prosecution for helping somebody to kill themselves.   He states that this is not changing the law.   In our view, however, he is clearly conniving at changing the law and ignoring the primacy of parliament.
“As soon as parliament reconvenes we intend to raise the issue and we are certain that we will not be lacking in support.  Parliament has made its view known on a number of occasions – the last time in the House of Lords only in July – just before both Houses were dissolved for the summer recess. 
“In addition, the Leaders of both the Labour and Conservative parties have let it be known that they are opposed to any weakening of the law – a view echoed by Ed Balls after hearing Mr Starmer on television on Sunday.  He warned the DPP to be very careful.   In our view, however, the guidelines smack more of casuistry than of carefulness or genuine caution.
“The Questionnaire which accompanies the Guidelines as part of the public consultation we were promised.   It is utterly simplistic and one could drive a coach and horses through some of the suggestions on which those responding are asked to state ‘yes’ or ‘no’.  One such suggestion states: ‘ the suspect was wholly motivated by compassion’ and another declares - ’The action of the suspect may be characterised as reluctant assistance in the face of a determined wish on the part of the victim to commit suicide’.   How are the police or Crown Prosecution Service to know what happened “behind closed doors”.  The DPP seems to forget the fact that some criminals are extremely good actors and may plan for years. 
“In any case since when have we formulated the law of the land on what amounts to a public opinion survey based on a questionnaire of any kind – let alone one which is so simplisti8c as that presented to us by the DPP.  
“Nowhere in the document does he refer to doctors or nurses and the Guidelines and questionnaire are evidently intended for assisted suicides in this country as well as those overseas.  At this stage (thankfully) he limits any suspect to only one suicide.   Nonetheless it is very frightening to see the manner in which he omits any reference to doctors and nurses who may well be regarded as friends simply through caring for the victims.
“In this country we have a democracy in which Parliament is responsible for legislation and we intend to protect this from a judiciary which evidently thinks that it can take over our role and produce laws according to public opinion.”