Results of Deputy Leadership Candidate Survey: House of Lords Reform and Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill

These are the responses from candidates for the Deputy Leadership of the Labour Party on a question about House of Lords reform and assisted dying for the terminally ill:

Do you agree that Parliament should vote for the removal of the right of Bishops to sit in the House of Lords in favour of a modernised chamber where all members are elected on merit and there is no religious discrimination or privilege?

Hilary Benn

I am in favour of a 100% elected house of Lords.

 

Hazel Blears

No, I think there should be more diverse faiths represented in the revised second chamber, and I do not support the disestablishment of the Church of England.

Jon Cruddas

I voted for a fully elected House of Lords.

Peter Hain

I am in favour of a fully elected second chamber in which all members have a democratic mandate from the voters.

Harriet Harman

I voted for a fully elected House of Lords, and have always voted for the most democratic formulation offered to Parliament. A 100% elected House of Lords removes unquestionable right from all positions in Parliament - religious or otherwise.

.

Alan Johnson

House of Lords reform is an important concern.  My starting point is that the primacy of the Commons must be maintained and that the second chamber is for scrutinising and revision.  In the latest vote on the issue I backed the 80:20 option as the best way forward.  Some appointments can ensure particular expertise as well as gender and ethnic balance.  I do not think that removing the Bishops in the Lords are the key concern but if we move towards a more elected model then it would be more difficult for them to remain in their current numbers. 

In light of the fact that it is supported by over 80% of people in the UK, what is your view on changing the law to allow assisted dying for the terminally ill?

Hilary Benn

Although I can see there is a powerful case for allowing people to choose the time and manner of their death, I am not yet persuaded that sufficient safeguards can be put in place to prevent abuse of vulnerable people.

Hazel Blears

I think there needs to be an informed debate about assisted dying, based on medical and ethical concerns.

Jon Cruddas

Traditionally this is not a party political issue.  If legislation is proposed, then I will certainly consider it on its merits as an individual Member of Parliament.

Peter Hain

Parliament has always treated the issue of assisted dying as a matter of conscience for individual MPs, and it should remain so.

Harriet Harman

I support assisted dying for the terminally ill.

Alan Johnson

On assisted dying for the terminally ill, I’m sceptical but think this is a matter for every individuals’ conscience and would advocate a free vote if this issue was raised in the House of Commons.

Comments

[Paul Rose]

Thank goodness some candidates have the guts to differentiate between church and state in education and recognise the need for a fully elected second chamber.
I could almost rejin the Party I represented in the House until I decided to
leave after 15 years.

[David Goodes]

In my opinion Harriet Harmen & Peter Hain know what they are talking about here.Especially Peter Hain who due to his work in Northern Ireland is all too aware of the damage done to society by segregating children according to the religious beliefs of their parents.When will this insanity stop?!

[Alan Rogers]

Nice to see that the bible-bashers got a real bashing in the Deputy Leader election. Is there hope that Opus Dei can now be ejected from the Cabinet?