Matthew Parris

Matthew Francis Parris (born 7 August 1949) is a British political writer and broadcaster, formerly a Conservative Member of Parliament from 1979 to 1986. He was born in South Africa to British parents.

Quotes

• If assisted dying becomes common and widely accepted, hundreds of thousands — perhaps millions — will consider choosing this road when the time comes; and in some cases, even ask themselves whether it would be selfish not to.
  In short, a taboo will be lifted — and taboo is potent. What today is criminal could tomorrow become (as its proponents tend to insist) a sad but permitted option in a relatively small number of special and agonising circumstances; but within a decade or more be seen as a normal road for many to take, and considered socially responsible — and even, finally, urged upon people.
  • "We can't afford a taboo on assisted dying", The Times (29 March 2024)

• [Jeremy] Corbyn's genius was to maximise electoral yield from a substantial but minority section of the population. His downfall was that he couldn't do it – it cannot be done – without by the same token repelling millions among the rest.
• When the Tories crash next month it will not be because they failed to win over Reform supporters, but – at least in part – because they tried to.
  • "Would you want Nigel Farage to marry your daughter?", The Spectator (22 June 2024)
  • At the time of this article, opinion polls were suggesting Nigel Farage (and other Reform candidates) would be elected at the 2024 United Kingdom general election on 4 July.