Harvie: Back Suicide Bill

MSPs who back the principle of allowing assisted suicide in Scotland have been urged to support legislation at its first stage.

Green MSP Patrick Harvie, who is championing the Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill, told Holyrood that he believes the case has been made for a change in the law.

He wants the Scottish Parliament to support the general principles of the legislation to allow the debate around the details of such a change to continue.

Mr Harvie took on the legislation following the death of independent MSP Margo MacDonald in April last year.

Her Bill would allow those with terminal or life-shortening illnesses to obtain help in ending their suffering.

MSPs began debating the legislation at its first stage after campaigners on both sides staged rallies outside the Parliament.

Opening the debate, Mr Harvie said: "I think the case has been made very clear that a change in the law has been justified.

"Whatever view members take of the detailed operation of this legislation were we to pass it, I hope that all members who understand the basic principle, who accept the idea that human beings have the right to make a decision in circumstances such as a terminal or life-shortening illness, I hope that members will give this Bill the opportunity to come forward to the next stage, and then we can begin to debate the amendments that come forward."