An emotional debate and it’s time to cast a vote
PARLIAMENT convenes for a debate on assisted dying, voters go to the polls in local elections and events get under way as May begins. We take a look at the week ahead.
SENSITIVE DEBATE
It is an emotional issue which can bring about divided opinions and today there will be a debate on assisted dying in Parliament.
The debate in Westminster Hall from 4.30pm will take place after a petition backed by Dame Esther Rantzen and campaign group Dignity in Dying secured more than 200,000 signatures.
The Government has said its view remains that any change to the law in this sensitive area is a matter for Parliament to decide.
Last week Dame Esther, 83, who has said she is considering travelling to Switzerland for an assisted death after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, said that MPs taking part in the debate will be looking into a topic that is “crucial to most constituents up and down the country”.
She said: “While, sadly, my health issues prevent me from attending it myself, I will be watching the debate closely as it affects my own decision to go to Dignitas in Zurich if necessary, to protect my family from witnessing a painful death.”
It comes after legislation to introduce assisted dying for terminally ill people in Scotland was published last month at Holyrood.
LOCAL ELECTIONS
Ballots will open on Thursday as local council, mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections get under way across the country.
There are 107 councils holding elections in England, with the results being declared over several days, starting on the night of May 2 and ending on May 5. The results of four of the 11 mayoral contests – including Tees Valley and York & North Yorkshire – are due be declared on Friday.
Local election results are generally regarded as an indication of voter intentions in Parliamentary ballots, so political parties will keenly await the results as a General Election is due later this year.
MERRY MAY
May Day on Wednesday signals that spring is in full swing and events next weekend are fitting for the season.
Saltaire Arts Trail takes place over three days from Saturday until Bank Holiday Monday, with the residents of homes, creative spaces and businesses in Saltaire and Shipley playing host to more than 60 artists, displaying an eclectic range of work.
The first part of Open Up Sheffield, a similar event in the South Yorkshire city, takes place over the same days.
Great Yorkshire Vegan Festival will have more than 80 stalls, meat-free world food caterers and free samples from 10.30am to 4pm on Saturday at South Leeds Stadium, Belle Isle.
Meanwhile, from Friday to Sunday, the Todmorden Folk Festival will supply a joyful dose of singing, dancing and familyfriendly fun in the Calder Valley.