Press Coverage of Parliamentary Assisted Dying Vote and Notre-Dame Restoration

Members of Parliament in England and Wales have voted to legalize assisted dying. The Daily Mail’s headline characterized this decision as “a leap into the unknown.” The Daily Mirror emphasized the “joy and sorrow” surrounding the vote, illustrating this with an image of campaigners embracing and another of an opponent in tears. According to The Times, leaders within the NHS are “already baulking” at the prospect of establishing an assisted dying service. Furthermore, government sources reportedly expressed concern that this development might overshadow the prime minister’s existing agenda. The conduct of yesterday’s parliamentary debate by MPs garnered considerable commendation. John Crace, The Guardian’s sketchwriter, characterized the proceedings as “intelligent and polite,” contrasting them with typical “partisan affairs… punctuated by jeers and braying.” Kitty Donaldson, chief political commentator for Weekend i, stated that the debate represented “a rare case of Parliament shown at its best.” However, Madeline Grant of The Daily Telegraph observed “depressingly” that “many MPs who intended to vote in favour clearly didn’t understand the bill,” and others were “either too lazy or too stupid to learn about the technical aspects.” The Daily Express editorial declared the vote a “moment of true historic significance,” asserting that it would end the era when “terminally ill people lived in fear of an agonising death.” The Daily Mirror’s editorial conveyed a message to MPs: “time to go carefully.” The publication implored lawmakers to “continue to scrutinise this emotionally charged issue with the thoughtfulness and respect that has characterised the debate so far.” The Times’ leading article cautioned that “the Rubicon has been crossed,” suggesting that even if the bill were to fail, if it passes, “the direction of travel will be one way: towards ever more routine state killing.” The Daily Mirror announced “Derailed” in its report on the resignation of transport secretary Louise Haigh, following revelations that she had pleaded guilty to a fraud charge ten years prior. Harry Cole, The Sun’s political editor, commented that while the prime minister might “rightly be fuming,” he would still face questions regarding “who knew what and when?” The Daily Mail raised six questions, among them “why did he appoint someone with a criminal conviction?” and “are there any more law breakers in cabinet?” The Weekend Financial Times, among other publications, displayed images of the renovated Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, accompanied by the caption “from the ashes.” The Times’ headline proclaimed, “Five years on from inferno, Notre-Dame is more brilliant than ever.” Its accompanying article lauded the “clean stone walls providing a light filled backdrop to the statues and paintings.” The Daily Telegraph noted the installation of a discreet pipe system, designed to spray water in the event of a future catastrophe. Alastair Sooke, the paper’s chief art critic, remarked that the comprehensive transformation has resulted in a “luminous place of worship,” a sight that nearly persuaded him to convert. Readers can subscribe to our morning newsletter to receive BBC News directly in their inbox. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.