Current law on assisted dying isn’t working

sir – Victor Launert (Letters, March 7) warns that assisted dying could put older or vulnerable people at risk, but I believe such legislation would introduce greater protections for society. As Police and Crime Commissioner (PPC) for Dorset, and being appointed to lead PCCS nationally on the issue of suicide, I can see the significant dangers the current law poses, and I echo Lord Carey’s calls (Letters, March 6) for a government inquiry into these matters.

Banning assisted dying merely drives it underground and overseas, forcing people into premature deaths with insufficient checks and balances to prevent abuse or coercion. Those in law enforcement end up expending their limited resources on investigating family members whose motivations were purely compassionate. The status quo is simply not working, and this week I am sharing these concerns with the justice secretary. I am joined in this by Maureen Hogg, widow of the Durham PCC Ron Hogg, who made a powerful case for a change in the law on assisted dying before his death from motor neurone disease last December. Martyn Underhill

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset Winfrith, Dorset

sir – Lord Carey appears to believe that what a majority favour equates to what is right.

Christians need to hold fast to traditional church teaching about the sacred value of life and sensitively speak out in our secular society. Going against sound family values and respect for life may have an attractive “liberal” appeal, but the unintended consequences are far from liberating.

The end of life needs to be managed so that people die without undue suffering. Most doctors know how to ensure this without the need for a change in the law. John Capel

Reading, Berkshire