Prof Mark Taubert
@profmarktaubert.bsky.social
Palliative Medicine Doctor. Bowie botherer https://youtu.be/Sj-_ZOg1XHo?si=tm6INeD88icxCCtv
I wrote for Parliament News on why I think today's Assisted Dying vote in the Commons should be a No. The combination of this Bill and the current NHS would simply be toxic. parliamentnews.co.uk/please-not-t...
Please not this Bill, and not in our NHS | Parliament News
As a palliative care consultant, I remember the moment in 2024 on a wet and grey autumn afternoon when I was talking to a hospital patient during a ward
parliamentnews.co.uk
September 11, 2026 at 10:38 AM
I wrote for Parliament News on why I think today's Assisted Dying vote in the Commons should be a No. The combination of this Bill and the current NHS would simply be toxic. parliamentnews.co.uk/please-not-t...
As we approach another vote on Assisted Dying in the Commons, here is a link to a 3-part @BBCRadio4 Inside Health Special edition that I was a panelist for www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - Inside Health, Assisted Dying: What might the final moments be like?
James Gallagher and the panel consider if an assisted death can guarantee a peaceful end.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 10, 2026 at 12:11 PM
As we approach another vote on Assisted Dying in the Commons, here is a link to a 3-part @BBCRadio4 Inside Health Special edition that I was a panelist for www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Reposted by Prof Mark Taubert
With MPs set to vote on assisted dying tomorrow, I'm reminded of the three-part series on the topic I was part of for Inside Health on Radio 4, where we explored some of the nuances in more depth. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - Inside Health, Assisted Dying: What might the final moments be like?
James Gallagher and the panel consider if an assisted death can guarantee a peaceful end.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 10, 2026 at 11:35 AM
With MPs set to vote on assisted dying tomorrow, I'm reminded of the three-part series on the topic I was part of for Inside Health on Radio 4, where we explored some of the nuances in more depth. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Reposted by Prof Mark Taubert
When cancer claimed my wife, I witnessed the fear and helplessness that the late stages of serious illness can bring, and felt the pain of being unable to ease a loved one's suffering
But having weighed the evidence... I believe this bill is the wrong way to achieve it – @patrickhurley.bsky.social
But having weighed the evidence... I believe this bill is the wrong way to achieve it – @patrickhurley.bsky.social
The impact assessment sets out why I cannot support the assisted dying bill
When the new assisted dying bill is brought before the House of Commons on Friday, MPs will again be asked to vote on a policy issue charged with i...
www.politicshome.com
September 9, 2026 at 12:27 PM
When cancer claimed my wife, I witnessed the fear and helplessness that the late stages of serious illness can bring, and felt the pain of being unable to ease a loved one's suffering
But having weighed the evidence... I believe this bill is the wrong way to achieve it – @patrickhurley.bsky.social
But having weighed the evidence... I believe this bill is the wrong way to achieve it – @patrickhurley.bsky.social
Reposted by Prof Mark Taubert
"It deeply troubles me that the government's own impact assessment projects savings of up to £84.8m a year from earlier deaths under assisted dying, treating the death of someone who requires costly care as a fiscal saving for the state."
@patrickhurley.bsky.social many thanks for this.
@patrickhurley.bsky.social many thanks for this.
When cancer claimed my wife, I witnessed the fear and helplessness that the late stages of serious illness can bring, and felt the pain of being unable to ease a loved one's suffering
But having weighed the evidence... I believe this bill is the wrong way to achieve it – @patrickhurley.bsky.social
But having weighed the evidence... I believe this bill is the wrong way to achieve it – @patrickhurley.bsky.social
The impact assessment sets out why I cannot support the assisted dying bill
When the new assisted dying bill is brought before the House of Commons on Friday, MPs will again be asked to vote on a policy issue charged with i...
www.politicshome.com
September 9, 2026 at 12:34 PM
"It deeply troubles me that the government's own impact assessment projects savings of up to £84.8m a year from earlier deaths under assisted dying, treating the death of someone who requires costly care as a fiscal saving for the state."
@patrickhurley.bsky.social many thanks for this.
@patrickhurley.bsky.social many thanks for this.
Important thread regarding Friday's Assisted Dying Terminally Ill Adults Bill
On Friday, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will have its Second Reading in the House of Commons. Most MPs won’t have thought much about assisted dying since the last vote in June 2025.
🧵New evidence, published since June 2025, that MPs should know about
🧵New evidence, published since June 2025, that MPs should know about
September 9, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Important thread regarding Friday's Assisted Dying Terminally Ill Adults Bill
Issue with this is that palliative &social care shld be optimised first. Current Assisted Dying Bill has FIXED 4-year implementation period,not dependent on ensuring universal access to pall/soc care This was not an accident, but a policy choice. 'Palliative care access' PMB wld have made more sense
An important intervention from two parliamentarians who both have backgrounds as GPs. buff.ly/oVzLuGx
‘End-of-life care and choice are not in opposition to each other’ – LabourList
As GPs and as parliamentarians, we know firsthand that too many people struggle to access the health, care and support they need in this country.…
labourlist.org
August 12, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Issue with this is that palliative &social care shld be optimised first. Current Assisted Dying Bill has FIXED 4-year implementation period,not dependent on ensuring universal access to pall/soc care This was not an accident, but a policy choice. 'Palliative care access' PMB wld have made more sense
A reply from an MP on the content of Lauren Edwards' letter to Andy Burnham..from Steve Brine MP, who sat on the select committee quoted in her letter. x.com/BrineHealth/...
August 2, 2026 at 1:25 PM
A reply from an MP on the content of Lauren Edwards' letter to Andy Burnham..from Steve Brine MP, who sat on the select committee quoted in her letter. x.com/BrineHealth/...
And learn from Australia, esp Victoria, where palliative care funding has now been cut. x.com/thelizcarr/s...
August 2, 2026 at 7:51 AM
And learn from Australia, esp Victoria, where palliative care funding has now been cut. x.com/thelizcarr/s...
Excellent summary in The Critic thecritic.co.uk/why-assisted...
Why assisted dying failed | Baroness O’Loan | The Critic Magazine
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill had no democratic mandate. It was a Private Members’ Bill, not a government initiative. There had been no pre-legislative scrutiny, no consultation…
thecritic.co.uk
July 31, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Excellent summary in The Critic thecritic.co.uk/why-assisted...
Not this Bill. It is unsafe.
July 30, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Not this Bill. It is unsafe.
Problem with that argument is that current Bill has a FIXED 4-year implementation period,not dependent on fixing palliative/soc care. This was not an accident, but a policy choice. A palliative care access PMB wld have made more sense, but then I wld say that..(and did say that)
Here is my statement responding to Andy Burnham’s comments on social care, palliative care and choice at the end of life.
July 29, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Problem with that argument is that current Bill has a FIXED 4-year implementation period,not dependent on fixing palliative/soc care. This was not an accident, but a policy choice. A palliative care access PMB wld have made more sense, but then I wld say that..(and did say that)
Even groups that are neutral on Assisted Dying are deeply concerned about the flaws in this TIA Bill. Its promoters have tried to marginalise opposition to it, but they're misleading us& ignoring the evidence. If it goes ahead, there'll be an Inquiry within 5 ys.
@laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
@laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
June 16, 2026 at 1:10 PM
Even groups that are neutral on Assisted Dying are deeply concerned about the flaws in this TIA Bill. Its promoters have tried to marginalise opposition to it, but they're misleading us& ignoring the evidence. If it goes ahead, there'll be an Inquiry within 5 ys.
@laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
@laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
Introducing a Private Members Bill to ensure equal access to palliative care would not only benefit Rochester and Strood constituents, but wider provision of care in England and Wales @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
June 16, 2026 at 12:07 PM
Introducing a Private Members Bill to ensure equal access to palliative care would not only benefit Rochester and Strood constituents, but wider provision of care in England and Wales @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Reposted by Prof Mark Taubert
You've been calling for an assisted dying bill that doctors call dangerously unsafe and unworkable?
June 14, 2026 at 9:58 PM
You've been calling for an assisted dying bill that doctors call dangerously unsafe and unworkable?
Reposted by Prof Mark Taubert
Absolutely infuriating that one of my colleagues has decided that what Parliament should focus on in the coming months - given everything going on in the world and here at home - is bringing back the assisted dying bill. Head in hands.
June 14, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Absolutely infuriating that one of my colleagues has decided that what Parliament should focus on in the coming months - given everything going on in the world and here at home - is bringing back the assisted dying bill. Head in hands.
Reposted by Prof Mark Taubert
As a previous advocate for assisted dying, I categorically oppose this bill in its current form. It's dangerous and full of holes where the safeguarding should be.
Except the majority of those opposing the bill seem to be doing it based on their beliefs, not due to safeguarding concerns.
June 14, 2026 at 10:07 PM
As a previous advocate for assisted dying, I categorically oppose this bill in its current form. It's dangerous and full of holes where the safeguarding should be.
Reposted by Prof Mark Taubert
This is painful.
“It was rightly described as the safest and most robust assisted dying law anywhere in the world”
Umm, only by the people trying to push it through.
🧵 Brief thread of how others described the Bill:
“It was rightly described as the safest and most robust assisted dying law anywhere in the world”
Umm, only by the people trying to push it through.
🧵 Brief thread of how others described the Bill:
It is a great privilege to have come second in the ballot for Private Member’s Bills. After giving the matter a great deal of thought, I will be reintroducing the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. You can read my full statement on this here or on my website: buff.ly/I78DfUX
June 14, 2026 at 8:40 PM
This is painful.
“It was rightly described as the safest and most robust assisted dying law anywhere in the world”
Umm, only by the people trying to push it through.
🧵 Brief thread of how others described the Bill:
“It was rightly described as the safest and most robust assisted dying law anywhere in the world”
Umm, only by the people trying to push it through.
🧵 Brief thread of how others described the Bill:
Reposted by Prof Mark Taubert
not the phrasing i’d have gone for
June 14, 2026 at 8:25 PM
not the phrasing i’d have gone for
Comments from Labour MPs wrt @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social reintroduction of Assisted Dying bill:
responses so far from Labour MPs:
responses so far from Labour MPs:
June 15, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Comments from Labour MPs wrt @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social reintroduction of Assisted Dying bill:
responses so far from Labour MPs:
responses so far from Labour MPs:
I hope @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social looks at more than DiD propaganda. @capacitylaw.bsky.social's
updated resource page on Terminally Ill Adults Bill - with links to key documents is essential. Anyone interested pls read: www.mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/terminally-i...
updated resource page on Terminally Ill Adults Bill - with links to key documents is essential. Anyone interested pls read: www.mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/terminally-i...
June 15, 2026 at 6:22 PM
I hope @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social looks at more than DiD propaganda. @capacitylaw.bsky.social's
updated resource page on Terminally Ill Adults Bill - with links to key documents is essential. Anyone interested pls read: www.mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/terminally-i...
updated resource page on Terminally Ill Adults Bill - with links to key documents is essential. Anyone interested pls read: www.mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/terminally-i...
Interesting polling about the real priorities people have, versus what pressure groups are claiming wrt Assisted Dying. A PMB for access to palliative &end of life care wld be a better starting point
@laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06...
@laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06...
www.telegraph.co.uk
June 12, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Interesting polling about the real priorities people have, versus what pressure groups are claiming wrt Assisted Dying. A PMB for access to palliative &end of life care wld be a better starting point
@laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06...
@laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06...
Hoping someone who has come high in PMB ballot might consider a Bill to ensure universal & fair access to palliative care. Desmond Swayne , Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social , Dr Luke Evans @drlukeevans.org.uk
It would be something that unites the whole community.
#PalliativeCareForAll
It would be something that unites the whole community.
#PalliativeCareForAll
Backers of the Leadbeater assisted dying Bill want @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social to take this Bill under her name, and push it through into law. That's why local residents in Rochester & Strood turned out this morning to share their opposition
June 8, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Hoping someone who has come high in PMB ballot might consider a Bill to ensure universal & fair access to palliative care. Desmond Swayne , Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social , Dr Luke Evans @drlukeevans.org.uk
It would be something that unites the whole community.
#PalliativeCareForAll
It would be something that unites the whole community.
#PalliativeCareForAll
Reposted by Prof Mark Taubert
NEW MRP poll: In the largest poll on assisted death since the Leadbeater Bill emerged, fewer than 1 in 10 Brits want their MP to prioritise the assisted death Bill.
June 5, 2026 at 6:05 PM
NEW MRP poll: In the largest poll on assisted death since the Leadbeater Bill emerged, fewer than 1 in 10 Brits want their MP to prioritise the assisted death Bill.
'Can vs should' - our open access article in Future Health Journal @royalcollege.bsky.social
What happens if people don't anticipate the downward trajectory of their illness? They end up in crisis, in hospital, expecting high-level treatment - shocked to hear it won't help.
Hence this plea from Drs Henderson, Lightbody & @profmarktaubert.bsky.social
sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
6/
Hence this plea from Drs Henderson, Lightbody & @profmarktaubert.bsky.social
sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
6/
March 29, 2026 at 8:45 PM
'Can vs should' - our open access article in Future Health Journal @royalcollege.bsky.social