Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Simon Jenkins

I don’t want to hear MPs’ personal testimonies in parliament. Issues like assisted dying are for heads, not hearts

A packed House of Commons awaits the result of the assisted dying debate, which heard emotional testimonies from many MPs, 29 November 2024.
A packed House of Commons awaits the result of the assisted dying debate, which heard emotional testimonies from many MPs, 29 November 2024. Photograph: PRU/AFP/Getty Images

Recently, John Healey, the relatively new defence secretary, made a personal confession. He told how his son’s current military service “plays on his mind when deciding to commit British soldiers to areas of risk”. He confessed that “it makes me lose sleep” and helps him “understand the gravity of military action overseas”.

We can only sympathise, and some might perhaps be thankful that such human responses weigh on decisions being made on our behalf.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.