Michael Fabricant voted against the Mental Capacity Bill in the House of
Commons last night. "The debate was a shambles" says Michael.
"Assurances were given eventually by the Government that although the
proposed law is seriously flawed, they would rectify it in the House of
Lords. But I could not approve a law which is flawed by the
Government’s own admission especially as this one is a matter of life
and death for elderly and sick people in care in Lichfield and
Burntwood. I could not give the Government a ‘blank cheque’ in the hope
they would get it right eventually."

The Government won the vote and the Bill will now pass for scrutiny in
the House of Lords.

Michael adds: "The Lords must now ensure the safety of people in care
and that unscrupulous families are not able to withhold food and drink
from weak and elderly relatives. I do accept that at times doctors have
to make tough decisions particularly when patients suffering from cancer
and other diseases are in great pain and where there is no hope of a
cure, but there are many other instances when tender loving care is
required and that should not be withheld."