Dignified end or a slippery slope? Metro readers debate assisted dying
'I wouldn't want to inflict my suffering on anyone else'
A retired RAF engineer, 86, and his former nurse wife, 80, plan to end their lives together in a suicide pod because they do not want to be ‘trapped by infirmity and pain’ (Metro, Mon).
Peter and Christine Scott signed up for the Sarco capsule in Switzerland after Mrs Scott was recently diagnosed with early stage vascular dementia.
I wholeheartedly support their decision. It’s a terrible illness that erases the beautiful person you once were.
My grandmother died from the effects of vascular dementia aged 83. My mother died recently from the effects of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s. She was 82.
When my mother was diagnosed, I asked my GP if I could develop it. She replied that I had a good chance.
I now know how the symptoms manifest in us: absentmindednesss, wandering about aimlessly, forgetting to eat or drink enough, carelessness, mood swings.
If this disease begins to develop in me in the next 20 years, I will be prepared to take action. I wouldn’t want to inflict my suffering on anyone else. Steve F, Walsall
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While this is a subject matter to approach with trepidation, I think it’s important to recognise that if a person is of sound mind and has consciously made the decision to end their life through assisted dying because of an illness that potentially cannot be treated, then I believe those that know the person in question should respect their wishes. Jade, East Croydon
We are all going to die at some point. Better for it to be at a time when we are comfortable and accepting of it.
There need to be strict safeguards, but prolonging life when there is no quality of life and it is not what the person wants does not help anyone. Sophie, London
Anyone who is against assisted dying needs to spend a week on the dementia floor of a care home, watching the quality of life that the residents don’t have. Fiona, Essex
I work for the NHS and have seen many elderly hospitalised patients ask to die because they are depressed, in pain and are done with life. Sharon White, Malvern
My late wife died at home – she didn’t agree with assisted dying. Life is sacred. She was terminaly ill, told me her feelings, and I agreed. I don’t agree with assisted dying despite what my wife went through. God rest her soul. John Turner, via email
It sounds great to have the freedom of choice but, in future, any unwanted or burdensome people could be sent on their way – perhaps against their wishes.
It could clear the way for governments to tell people that they are to be ‘decommissioned’ at 80, or whatever.
In the more immediate future, relatives may encourage parents to sign up or sign off because they need their homes and funds. It really is the start of a slippery slope, in my opinion. Peter, via email
Paving paradise
Housing secretary Angela Rayner’s intention to build new towns on what she disingenuously terms ‘grey belt land’, such as old car parks, reminded me of the 1970 song Big Yellow Taxi, by Joni Mitchell.
The environmentalist anthem prophetically starts with the words ‘They paved paradise and put up a parking lot’.
How will we combat climate change with excessive urban development? A Martin, London
John from Bromley (MetroTalk, Tue) asks when the Labour government is going to take responsibility and stop moaning about the past 14 years.
Wasn’t the Tory government still blaming the Labour government for everything wrong with the country up to the moment they lost power, despite it being 14 years on? Pedro, Hammersmith
If chancellor Rachel Reeves wants to save the country some money, I suggest she starts at the canteens in the House of Commons and House of Lords.
She should ensure they charge full price for all their food and drinks, rather than have them subsidised, instead of taking away the winter fuel allowance for so many people. Margaret, Solihull
The simplest way to get rid of all the potholes on our roads is to dig up all the speed humps and use them to fill in the potholes. It’s a no-brainer! Carlos, Lancashire
The uniform debate continues
I was a teacher of English and French in secondary schools and I have to disagree with Pedro (MetroTalk, Mon) who thinks school uniforms should be abolished.
Firstly, they help to give the school an individual identity and ethos and encourage pride in it.
Secondly, they avoid early morning teenage tantrums when a pupil’s favourite piece of clothing – all too often, quite unsuitable as schoolwear – is in the wash so won’t be available to wear to school. Helena Newton, Redbridge
I agree with Pedro. When I went to school, I didn’t wear uniform. It certainly didn’t do me any harm at all.
Does a uniform help your brain cells to concentrate? It’s totally unnecessary and a waste of money. Jennifer, Surrey
And another thing…
Although prisons in England and Wales are nearly full, the UK government is apparently exploring using empty prisons in Estonia to house our prisoners (MetroTalk, Tue).
Why not see if prisons in Northern Ireland and Scotland have space? This would make visiting time easier, too. Andrew Edwards, Islington
In reply to Steve in London’s (MetroTalk, Tue) inane comment regarding LL Cool J – that he doesn’t ‘regard someone shouting words from a rhyming dictionary into a microphone as making music’ – try telling that to Lulu! Gavin, Wirral
I think Eva Maria Kania’s (MetroTalk, Tue) suggestion that the world of football should use the yellow-green tennis ball colour is (penalty) spot on.
If you have poor vision, it’s difficult to see where the football is – both while watching on TV and at an actual game.
I remember having a bright orange ball with my Subbuteo table football set – perhaps that would work well, too? Harry, Sunderland
My workmate thinks Keir Starmer looks a bit like Penfold with those glasses on. I think Danger Mouse is probably more apt. Dec, Essex
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