The Economist's recent front page endorsement of assisted suicide featured a potent cover image of a snuffed out candle. For those who give credence to news editorials, however, last July was a revelation with, in response to Lord Falconer's Assisted Dying Bill, newspapers from across the political spectrum coming out strongly against a change in the law. These included the Guardian, Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail. The Times, meanwhile, has offered this (£) thoughtful, more recent intervention.

For others, it will be the stories of those at the coal face - ill people, disabled people, carers, healthcare professionals and those left behind - that matter. You will have your own reasons for opposing assisted suicide: whatever these are, please ensure that your MP hears them and represents you in the House of Commons nine weeks from today.

  • Have you met with or otherwise contacted your MP, asking them to attend the debate on 11 September to oppose the Assisted Dying (No. 2)* Bill?
  • Have you asked your MP to attend the lobby day being hosted by Glyn Davies MP next Tuesday 14 July (Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House, Westminster, 1-3pm)? Actress and campaigner Liz Carr will give a short presentation at 2.15pm
  • Might you attend if you have particular experience of serious or terminal illness or disability? More details for those intending to do so are to be found at the end of this message
  • Have you asked others to do these too, sharing our guidance page - www.carenotkilling.org.uk/Bill2015 - with interested friends and perhaps also local community groups which might share your views?

MPs need to hear from you. They need to know of your concerns and what you need from them as your MP: only you can make this happen. We are delighted to continue receiving feedback from supporters who have been making contact with their MPs, and we are, again, grateful to those of you who have made donations to our work.

Thank you

*You may wonder why the Bill is called the 'Assisted Dying (No. 2) Bill'. Lord Falconer revived his original in the House of Lords shortly before Rob Marris announced his bill, and the two are not allowed to have the same name. Rob Marris has still not disclosed the detail of his bill, more than two weeks after it received its first reading: if your MP tells you that they cannot comment on a bill they haven't seen, you might suggest the MP ask Mr Marris why he is delaying debate in this way.

Information for lobby day attendees

  • Please email your MP and ask them to come and meet you at the event
  • This map gives details of transport options. You need to come to Portcullis House (marked entrance 4 on the map)
  • Please allow 20 minutes to clear security
  • Tell security staff that you are attending an information day hosted by Glyn Davies MP and Rosie Cooper MP in the Boothroyd Room
  • Please arrive at the Boothroyd Room by 12.30pm for a briefing about the event so that you can make the most of the time with MPs
  • More information about disabled access is available here