Assisted dying split as Justice Secretary sounds 'death on demand' warning

Magda Gheorghiță

A huge split has emerged over assisted dying after the Justice Secretary said the state should "never offer death as a service". In a letter to constituents Shabana Mahmood warned a controversial Bill - set to be put before MPs on Friday - would create a "slippery slope towards death on demand". She said it would pile pressure on elderly, disabled, sick and vulnerable people to end their lives. It comes as a poll of more than 17,000 people by think tank More in Common found 65% of the public