§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to grant legal status to living wills; and if he will make a statement. [9197]
§ Mr. BowisAdvance statements—living wills—are already legally binding under common law, if clearly established and applicable in the circumstances.
The Law Commission, in its report on mental incapacity, made recommendations for legislation in a number of areas including advance statements. My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor announced on 16 January that there is to be a public consultation on the proposals in due course.
We remain wholly opposed to the legalisation of euthanasia.