Latest news with #DarrenPaffey
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Government to toughen laws that allow people to buy suicide drugs online
The Government has said it will tighten up laws which allow people to buy drugs online that can be used to take their own life. Justice minister Sarah Sackman said the Government will also focus on ensuring that existing laws are enforced, as MPs heard about a 21-year-old from Southampton who was able to buy substances online to end their life. Labour MP Darren Paffey said: 'A constituent of mine in Southampton Itchen, aged just 21, tragically died after accessing pro-suicide online forums that not only encouraged self-harm but advertised how to get lethal drugs and how to exploit loopholes that allowed this. 'The substance used in her death can still be bought on Amazon today. What steps will the minister take to close these loopholes on those who enable criminality, and ensure that the law is actively keeping our young people safe?' Ms Sackman said: 'I'm sorry to hear about that tragic case in his constituency. Encouraging or assisting suicide is an offence under the Suicide Act 1961 and sending communications that encourage or assist serious self harm is an offence in the Online Safety Act 2023. 'But we are going to be tightening up the law to ensure that the situation that he's described is addressed. And of course it's just about the law, it's the enforcement of the law as well.' In 2023 the then-Conservative government set up a suicide warning system in an attempt to stop people selling or accessing lethal substances. It meant ministers and the National Police Chiefs' Council could get data in real-time on deaths, to help see if trends emerged. It comes as Canadian chef Kenneth Law is facing a trial for murder in his home country for supplying a poisonous chemical to people around the world who have ended their lives. He is linked to dozens of suicides in the UK, according to the National Crime Agency.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Government to toughen laws that allow people to buy suicide drugs online
The Government has said it will tighten up laws which allow people to buy drugs online that can be used to take their own life. Justice minister Sarah Sackman said the Government will also focus on ensuring that existing laws are enforced, as MPs heard about a 21-year-old from Southampton who was able to buy substances online to end their life. Labour MP Darren Paffey said: 'A constituent of mine in Southampton Itchen, aged just 21, tragically died after accessing pro-suicide online forums that not only encouraged self-harm but advertised how to get lethal drugs and how to exploit loopholes that allowed this. 'The substance used in her death can still be bought on Amazon today. What steps will the minister take to close these loopholes on those who enable criminality, and ensure that the law is actively keeping our young people safe?' Ms Sackman said: 'I'm sorry to hear about that tragic case in his constituency. Encouraging or assisting suicide is an offence under the Suicide Act 1961 and sending communications that encourage or assist serious self harm is an offence in the Online Safety Act 2023. 'But we are going to be tightening up the law to ensure that the situation that he's described is addressed. And of course it's just about the law, it's the enforcement of the law as well.' In 2023 the then-Conservative government set up a suicide warning system in an attempt to stop people selling or accessing lethal substances. It meant ministers and the National Police Chiefs' Council could get data in real-time on deaths, to help see if trends emerged. It comes as Canadian chef Kenneth Law is facing a trial for murder in his home country for supplying a poisonous chemical to people around the world who have ended their lives. He is linked to dozens of suicides in the UK, according to the National Crime Agency.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bluestar celebrates launch of new Southampton bus service
A new bus service is now connecting key "underserved" locations within Southampton. Bluestar representatives, MPs and councillors launched the new 19a service with an event yesterday, with the route now operating seven days a week. The 19a links Winchester Road, Hill Lane, Southampton General Hospital, and the city centre. The service provides cross-city links to King Edward School and Richard Taunton Sixth Form College. READ MORE: Bluestar announces new Southampton city centre bus service MP for Southampton Test, Satvir Kaur, said: "From speaking to individuals and families on the doorstep, I know that a bus service that's not accessible or close to where you live can be challenging, especially for older people and young families. "It's fantastic to see this service now up and running." Southampton Itchen MP, Darren Paffey, said: "This new service will be welcomed by my constituents along Hill Lane and nearby roads that have been underserved by local bus services."
