The news that parliament is to reconsider legalising assisted dying is surely welcome (MPs to revisit assisted dying with an inquiry next year, 5 December), but this is one issue on which, as you rightly report, parliament and the people are completely divided.
Research in 2019 found that up to 93% of people consider assisted dying acceptable in at least some situations, yet MPs insist that it is solely for them to decide. They voted overwhelmingly against it in 2015, and denied a vote on it in 2021.
This is surely a matter of such concern to us all that, although a referendum would no doubt be refused, each party in the next general election should be required to state clearly in its manifesto what its position is on the matter, so that we might get a legislature that reflects the will of the majority.
Colin Burke
Cartmel, Cumbria
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