On Monday we asked the campaign group promoting Baroness Meacher’s Assisted Dying Bill to join us in discouraging demonstrations outside Parliament during tomorrow’s Lords debate. This is because the issue particularly affects elderly and disabled people who are at increased risk of illness from Covid-19, but who may feel compelled by an appeal from campaigners to attend a demonstration. At a time when infections are rising sharply we believe it is highly irresponsible to encourage people to join a crowd.

We are very disappointed that Dignity in Dying has decided to proceed with a demonstration and even yesterday evening, following the stark warning issued by the government, was emailing supporters pressing them to attend.

We continue to urge opponents of assisted suicide to stay away from Westminster today.