The Assisted Suicide Bill aims to allow people with terminal or severe illnesses to gain help from others to end their suffering. But the Faculty of Advocates, which represents the Scottish Bar, has criticised the plans as complex and confusing in places. It said the planned legislation needs to make it clear and readily understood – not just by solicitors – what legal protection would be given to someone helping another person commit suicide.

In a submission to the Scottish Parliament, the Faculty has stressed that if assisted suicide is to be legalised, clarity in the legislation is “imperative”, reports The Herald