Phil Friend from Not Dead Yet, which intervened in the case, said:
“We’re pleased that the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Divisional Court which had refused the claim that the prohibition on assisted dying is incompatible with the Human Rights Act.
“We’re particularly pleased that the court recognised some of the concerns in our submission around the dangers of legalising assisted dying. These include issues such as safeguards for people who might be at risk of coercion, the difficulties in predicting death within six months, and whether any scheme might be extended (as has happened in Belgium).
“The debate will continue, but we remain firm in our view that assisted dying opens the door to risks and dangers driven by attitudes about disabled people and their lives. It’s worth noting that no disability charity or organisation is campaigning for a change in the law around assisted dying. We want support to live, not to die.
“We’ve seen two recent NHS reports which catalogue the systemic failures to provide appropriate care for disabled people, resulting in their premature and unnecessary deaths. Until disabled people are seen, and treated, as equals in our society, the law must protect them.
“Our thanks go to Fry Law and Cloisters Chambers, which provided pro bono representation.”