Hospice UK response to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

"Hospice UK remains neutral on whether the law should change on assisted dying. This reflects the collective views of our members, the UK's 200+ hospices.

"We will closely scrutinise the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and, should it progress, will ensure that the many complex questions and concerns of hospices are heard by Parliamentarians in the months ahead. Our members have expertise and experience that needs to be heard.

"We agree with the assertion that for those who get it, palliative and end of life care in the UK is of an excellent standard.

"Evidence and experience shows, however, that very many people miss out on this specialist care.  On top of this, the need for palliative care is increasing rapidly because of our ageing population, and already, right now, hospices are cutting back their services because of insufficient state funding.

"Whatever MPs' views on this issue, and whatever they decide, this is the context into which assisted dying would be introduced. We urge MPs of all sides to back long-term reform for how hospice and palliative care is funded and delivered in the UK."