Among important themes at the plenary meeting in Leeds were the Synod on the Family taking place in October, collaboration promoted by the church among police throughout the world against human trafficking, the European elections taking place in May, the difficulty of opening new catholic schools in England and Wales, and the law regarding assisted suicide. Sir Alexander Des Forges, spokesperson for the Bishops of English and Wales, has noted regarding the upcoming human trafficking meeting that the group will work to advance collaborative efforts of the Catholic Church and Police throughout the world to combat the terrible crime of trafficking. The Bishops reaffirmed their opposition to the law intending to legalize assisted suicide, which is also opposed by medical associations, disabled persons, and those involved in palliative care.