YOUR MP WRITES (From Worcester News)

YOUR MP WRITES

8:15am Thursday 29th May 2008

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As a retired doctor who has seen the agony and distress to patients and their families from illnesses like motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and at a younger age, muscular dystrophy, I voted in favour of the measures in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
This will enable more research to take place into the causes and possible treatment of these awful diseases. I believe the Bill contains the necessary safeguards to prevent abuse.
I found the issue of the need for a father difficult because I understand the value of the time-honoured family with father, mother and their children. The world has moved on and we accept single parents bringing up children alone.
So as we now also accept same-sex partnerships I feel we should allow same-sex couples to have a family by adoption or by IVF.
I also think this is a very personal matter for couples themselves and that it is not really a matter for legislation.
Contributions to the debate were thoughtful and sympathetic and it was refreshing to see the House of Commons at its best when all members have to decide for themselves how to speak and vote.
I was relieved that the limit for abortion was not reduced from 24 weeks as science has not yet shown that the rate of survival of the foetus at less than this stage in pregnancy has improved.
As I said in the second reading debate one preferable way to reduce the abortion rate would be obligatory sex and relationships education at school.
The Home Secretary recently asked to see me as the Government is concerned that it will not get parliamentary approval for the extension of the length of time a terrorist suspect may be held without charge from 28 to 48 days.
She did not try to pressure me into supporting this measure opposed by so many in the house but she made the Government’s case and told me of a forthcoming briefing session for MPs.
I learnt that now there is a consensus of police opinion that we need this extension in view of increasing terrorist threats. The Government’s briefing states:
“The Government is not seeking a permanent extension to the current pre-charge detention limit of 28 days for terrorist suspects.
“We are seeking a reserve power to allow a temporary and non-renewable extension to the pre-charge detention limit for terrorist suspects – which could only be used in exceptional circumstances, and only if high parliamentary and judicial safeguards were met.”
My concern is to vote on June 11 on the issue itself, on what is right for civil liberty and our protection in the face of terrorist threats, and not from an anti-Government motive. I hope to take soundings from my constituents on this issue.