Our CEO has written to several newspapers that failed to take into account evidence of serious interference by foreign anti-assisted dying groups in a recent Holyrood consultation.
We were pleased to be quoted in several recent articles on the Holyrood health committee consultation concerning the assisted dying bill. However, we are extremely concerned at a general trend towards inaccurate reporting of what the data means. The articles in question, including in The Herald, Holyrood magazine, and STV News, suggest a split in opinion over assisted dying. But a closer examination of the data released shows that this portrayal is deeply misleading.
It is true that, taking, the survey results at face value, the consultation the consultation had a fairly even response rate between those in favour of and against legalisation. However, the reporting failed to explain a critical detail: a significant proportion of those opposing the change were responding from overseas, many with identical copy-and-paste text. There is no way of ascertaining how many of these responses were submitted by bots. The committee’s own reporting on the data notes the influence of “organised campaigns” on the answers received.
To report the details of a survey which shows such clear evidence of distortion, without digging into the reasons for this, skews representation of what the Scottish public genuinely thinks. When considering only the responses from within Scotland, the overwhelming majority clearly support assisted dying. This is consistent with numerous other surveys, consultations, and polls conducted over the years.
It is crucial that public discourse on this and other important topics is informed by accurate reporting of the facts. If the Scottish Parliament allows itself to be misled by rich foreign pressure groups and fringe voices, this could seriously threaten the democratic principles by which a parliament should operate.
For a clear account of what the data means, read our news report on the topic.
Write to your MSP telling them you support assisted dying
Adapt our letter template to have your say
Image: Liam McArthur takes questions from the media on publication of his assisted dying bill in March 2024.
Latest Related Stories
June 24, 2026
Assisted dying bill reintroduced at Westminster: it needs your support in Scotland
March 17, 2026
Humanist Society vows to “keep fighting” for end-of-life choice after assisted dying bill falls at final vote
March 16, 2026
Humanist Society co-signs letter urging MSPs to separate fact from fiction ahead of assisted dying vote
March 12, 2026