Bishop opposes right-to-die bill

The Bishop of Hereford has urged people against euthanasia to make their voices heard ahead of a debate in Westminster.

Bishop Anthony Priddis is opposed to a change of legislation that would allow assisted suicide because he says it could devalue life.

He called for church people to write to their MPs opposing the Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill.

The Second Reading of the bill, proposed by Lord Joffe, is expected to take place in May.

The bishop said he was concerned that assisted dying would undermine the relationships between patients, their families and doctors.

He was also concerned it might put pressure on some patients, particularly the elderly.

Former human rights lawyer Lord Joffe has said the measures proposed in his bill would "not seek to impose anything on anybody" but would propose another "end of life option".