assisted dying in Wales, says Health Secretary

THE Senedd would have the final say on whether to implement assisted dying in NHS Wales, but services could be available outside the public sector, Wales' Health Secretary has confirmed.

- CHRIS HAINES

Peter Fox, the Conservative chair of the Senedd’s health committee, sought clarity on the Welsh Government’s position and its powers to implement assisted dying in Wales

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said the Welsh Government maintained a neutral position as he drew a distinction between enacting the UK end-of-life Bill and its implementation.

He explained that enactment is reserved to Westminster, but providing voluntary assisted dying services in Wales is a discretionary power in the hands of the Welsh Government.

He told the committee: “Those services could only be introduced in devolved areas following regulations laid by the Welsh ministers... and subject to an affirmative Senedd vote.

“For anything which is in devolved competence, there will need to be regulations passed by the Senedd before the service can be provided.”

Giving evidence yesterday, Mr Miles suggested options for services outside of the NHS would be available in the private sector in Wales and England as in other parts of the world.