One of the most moving moments I experienced in the past year in the European Parliament involved a colleague I have known for many years, Nicholas Bethell, a distinguished Member of the European Parliament. A similar type of debate on this issue was taking place within my political group and everybody was up on their high horse, taking the high moral ground on this and that. Nicholas Bethell put his hand up. He is dying of Parkinson's disease and left the parliament about a month ago. He spoke quietly and calmly about having advanced Parkinson's disease. He said his father had died from Parkinson's disease and that his eight year old son was just as likely to get this dreadful disease, given the genetic issues involved. He said he was leaving the Parliament, but he wanted people to think hard when trying to simplify such issues. Having listened to some of the debate, I have decided to vote in favour of it in memory of my mother and of him. I have great respect for people with other points of view. However, I will vote for it because I believe some good can come from it.