What the British people don't know could kill them.

How many people know about the Mental Capacity Act 2005, put forward by the Government and passed by Parliament?

It attracted little attention from the media, especially on the subject of patients who are unable to communicate their wishes, whether they are in hospital or in a hospice.

The provision of basic care, nutrition and fluid has now been classified as a "medical treatment".

This can be withdrawn by a medical practitioner - who may not necessarily know the patient or their history. (Although, if the patient is completely unable to communicate, an independent advocate can be brought in to liaise between the medical practitioner and the patient's family).

This not only makes disabled people particularly vulnerable but, in effect, makes euthanasia legal.

The Disability Rights Commission made it clear to the House of Lords select committee that the Joffe Assisted Dying Bill would severely undermine the rights of disabled people.

While Lord Joffe is endeavouring to shore up support for euthanasia, readers should be aware the Euthanasia Society has changed its name to Death With Dignity.

Those in favour of euthanasia are holding up the provision of hospice care. There is already a hospice group in Parliament but it is neutral when it comes to euthanasia.

Fortunately, an all-party group on Dying Well Naturally has been set up from both parliamentary houses.

It promotes hospice care and is opposed to killing patients. Readers should ask their MPs to support a ten-minute rule bill which will be debated in the Commons on January 25, requiring palliative care for all terminally-ill patients.

-Maureen A Stack, Shoreham-by-Sea