At an open public seminar at the Bolton Town Hall the Bolton & District Over 50s Federation had arranged a 'debate' on assisted death / death with dignity with two very erudite speakers of national eminence. The ex-Bolton South East MP Dr Brian Iddon speaking against and Prof Malcolm Johnson an internationally known academic from the Universities of Bristol & Bath in favour of assisted death. Whilst such knowledgeable speakers talk about this in a detached way arguing the case for and against ,what happens in a real life situation often faced by any common not so clever person. When the quality of life does no longer exist without any possible hope of regaining it even in the most rudimentary fashion , how long does one carry it on or bear to watch the suffering ! Under those circumstances is the ending of life not the most kind thing to do and an act of love by those who help perform it.

On the other hand the ''law'' in this context has to be rigorous and monitored extremely carefully ; as there will always be people who are likely to benefit materially from another person's death. Medical treatment of proven efficacy and benefit may be withheld from apparently frail and infirm individuals who are in their advanced years ! in some European countries euthanasia has been legalised and often people from Britain go there to 'end their lives'. There have been many debates and Govt Bills discussed in the Houses of Comons and Lords - but no definire decision has not yet been made . AT THE MOMENT ANY KIND OF ASSISTED DEATH OR PROCEDURES FACILITATING DEATH OF ANY ONE IS ILLEGAL AND SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. That said we ought to have the position clarified and perhaps a limited form of assisted death regulated strictly should be made available to the society at large.

On issues like this ther eis no correct answer , no right or wrong - each case must be assessed separately and decision reached based on the particular circumstance.