Dr Miro Griffiths was invited to participate in a discussion hosted by the Edinburgh Union, an apolitical student-run debating society founded earlier this year.
Held at Edinburgh‘s Rainy Hall on Monday night, a panel of students, politicians, and medical experts debated the motion: This House Welcomes the Legalisation of Assisted Dying.
The event was hosted at Edinburgh University by a student debating group.(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)
Griffiths was forced to withdraw from the debate after learning that the Rainy Hall, buit in 1900, could not accommodate his power chair.
He told The Herald: “It wasn’t a surprise, because there are so many inaccessible spaces. However, it was quite poignant that I couldn’t attend, given the impact of this bill on disabled people.
“I don’t have any ill will towards the students organising this debate, but the fact there wasn’t an accessible space is demonstrative of the view society holds about disabled people.
“It is a reflective example of unequal spaces in society. Disabled people often struggle to make their voices heard, and that has an impact on how they view themselves and whether or not they feel their life is worth living.”
Speakers at the sold-out event included Kenneth Gibson of the SNP, who made the case for assisted dying legislation; while Dr Fiona MacCormick, Scotland Representative for the Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland (APM) and Dr Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing, represented opposition to the bill.
In a statement, an Edinburgh Union spokesperson said: “It was unfortunate that at last night’s event, a disability rights campaigner was unable to attend due to accessibility issues. The Edinburgh Union was made aware of this, and an effort was made to overcome these accessibility issues.”
“The Edinburgh Union always strives to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend our debates, unfortunately we are limited by the venue Rainy Hall, which belongs to the University of Edinburgh.”
In May, a bill which would legalise assisted dying in Scotland passed a first stage vote at Holyrood, by 70 votes to 56.
Under the proposals, terminally-ill, mentally competent adults would be permitted to seek medical help to end their lives.
Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur has led the legislative charge at Holyrood.(Image: PA)
Two more rounds of parliamentary scrutiny will take place before the bill becomes law.
Scottish political leaders have been divided on the issue; with First Minister John Swinney and Labour leader Anas Sarwar expressing opposition to the bill, which has been backed by Conservative leader Russell Findlay and Lib Dem boss Alex Cole-Hamilton.
Similar legislation passed its first stage vote at Westminster in November 2024.
In an earlier statement, Griffiths said the situation had a ‘dark irony’, given the topic at hand.
“Disabled people would be disproportionately harmed by an assisted suicide law, yet their voices are being screened out,” said the campaigner, who received an MBE for services to disbaled people.
“Legislation is being progressed in the face of opposition from disabled people’s organisations across the UK.”
The University of Leeds professor added: “Society excludes disabled people and those with significant health conditions through inaccessible environments, negative attitudes, and non-supportive policies. This affects how people value themselves and decide whether life is worth living.
“Repeatedly being denied access and support sends a clear message to disabled people – your participation has no value.
“Campaigners fail to acknowledge that inequality will make disabled people feel pressure to end their lives.”
Founded in 2025 as Edinburgh University’s newest debating society, the Edinburgh Union aims to ‘provide an apolitical platform dedicated to open dialogue’ for students studying at the institution.
Upcoming events include This House Regrets Brexit and This House Believes Traditional Masculinity is Damaging to Men and Society.
Prior to Tuesday’s event, founder Finn Tyson said: “The Edinburgh Union seeks to spark open dialogue in the capital city of Scotland.
“We want to give students and staff the chance to engage in-person with big ideas, challenge perspectives, and form their own views through reasoned debate – all in a way that reflects the diversity and voice of Scotland’s student population.”
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“One of modern Britain’s most profound ethical, legal and personal questions is the legalisation of assisted dying. Despite fierce opposition Scotland, England and Wales stand on the brink of legalisation.
“This highly controversial issue is rooted in decades of public discourse, poignant personal stories, and evolving legislative efforts.”