Scotland: legalising assisted suicide would open 'Pandora's Box'
New assisted suicide legislation in Scotland would open a 'Pandora's Box', according to disability policy advisor Dr Miro Griffiths. He says that the proposals being brought forward by Liam McArthur MSP 'represent a dangerous idea that would see the vulnerable and marginalised in society placed at risk of irreversible harm'. Dr Griffiths spoke about his own experience of living with disabilities: ‘My strength, respiratory functioning, and swallowing will continue to deteriorate. I require a power wheelchair, 24-hour personal assistance, and various medical interventions every day. I hope readers will realise that I, and many others in my community, approach this issue in a way that others in society will not.’ Canada legalised assisted suicide and euthanasia in 2016; within five years, the law was expanded and key safeguards were removed. There has been a tenfold rise in assisted suicides since the law was changed. Dr Griffiths concluded by saying that a change in the law was simply too dangerous, especially in the context of stretched public services.
Labour promise gay conversion ban with 'no loopholes'
The Labour Party has pledged to introduce comprehensive legislation to ban gay conversion therapy without any loopholes if it wins the upcoming general election. The Government has faced delays in announcing its own plans for a ban, partly due to concerns from various religious groups about potential impacts on their practices. Shadow equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds has denounced conversion therapy as abuse and criticised the delay in banning it. Many church leaders have expressed support for banning specific conversion therapy practices but are concerned that a full ban might hinder their ability to pray with individuals experiencing unwanted same-sex attraction. They cite an example from Australia where similar legislation led to challenges to church teachings and prayer practices.
Convicted criminals could avoid jail because prisons are full
Judges in England and Wales have been instructed to delay sentencing hearings due to overcrowded prisons. There are concerns that convicted criminals may avoid jail time because of the lack of available prison space. Lord Edis, the senior presiding judge, has directed that sentencing for individuals on bail should be postponed, starting next week. The Government is also considering early releases as a measure to manage the growing prison population. The prison system is operating under intense pressure, with projections indicating that the population will exceed the number of operational prison places by November. Shadow justice secretary Shabana Mahmood criticised the government's handling of the prison system, labelling it a ‘damning indictment’. Security minister Tom Tugendhat emphasised that those convicted of serious crimes would still go to prison for extended periods, citing the government's commitment to increasing prison capacity. The government is even exploring the possibility of renting prison cells overseas to address overcrowding.
Northern Ireland: PSNI sends advice by text
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has sent texts to nearly two thousand individuals whose phone numbers were discovered during drug raids. These texts contain advice on substance misuse and aim to address the growing demand for illicit drugs in Northern Ireland. Drug seizures and drug-related arrests have both increased by 10% this year. The PSNI's recent focus has been on the supply of Class A and Class B drugs through social media apps and groups. This trend has transformed the drugs market in Northern Ireland over the past few years. Paramilitary groups are working closely with organised crime groups to import and distribute drugs: about sixty criminal gangs currently operate in the region. The PSNI is working with national and international law enforcement partners to target suppliers and supply lines. It is also collaborating with Border Force to prevent drug smuggling through Northern Ireland's ports.
