The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has slammed a statement by the Health Secretary that travelling abroad for assisted suicide is an exception to coronavirus travel restrictions.

In response to an urgent question by Andrew Mitchell MP, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs: “Travelling abroad for the purpose of assisted dying is a reasonable excuse and so anyone doing so would not be breaking the law.”

Antonia Tully, SPUC’s Campaigns director, said: “It is incredible that going abroad to kill yourself is an exception to travel restrictions. At a time when the country is making huge sacrifices to protect human life, why is the Health Secretary giving the green light for vulnerable and sick people to end theirs?

“It is particularly irresponsible to promote suicide at a time when people are already under such enormous pressures and mental health problems are skyrocketing,” she continued. “The loneliness and pressures of lockdown could push already vulnerable people to feel they want to end their lives by assisted suicide.  The Government should be doing all it can to support ill and vulnerable people at this time, not telling them it’s fine to go abroad in order to kill themselves.”

Antonia Tully said: “Mr Mitchell is determined to change the law on assisted suicide and he will see today’s exchange in the House of Commons as taking this a step forward. The pro-life community continues to oppose any change in the law.”

For further comment or interview call Antonia Tully on 07926 007 175