Assisted Dying - Third Reading Vote

Thank you very much to those who have contacted me about assisted dying. This is, of course, a complex, nuanced and sensitive topic. It is one that I have given a good deal of consideration to over many months in my role as our Member of Parliament. 

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has contacted me about it. I have had many, many discussions with constituents, over a period of months, about the importance of this debate, and about the issues at stake. I am thankful for every single one of those conversations and email exchanges. I don’t mind saying that some accounts, particularly from those with relatives who have suffered painful deaths, have played on my mind for weeks and months afterwards. 

The Bill had its final debate in Parliament on Friday 20 June (Third Reading), and I voted in favour of the Bill. Whilst my own deliberation process in relation to this issue has been multi-faceted, I can best sum up my reasoning by stating my belief that those with a terminal illness and with a short period to live ought not to have to continue to live against their will and in intolerable pain. I would prefer those in that situation to have the choice to end their lives, with dignity, and surrounded by loved ones. That was my overriding feeling, despite reservations, at Second Reading, and remains my view now.  

This is not to say that I did not have any doubts about this topic overall, and about this Bill specifically. Notable amongst these has been my hesitation arising from the state of palliative care services and the dire need to improve these, as well as the potential for coercion. I wanted to be open with constituents about those doubts, and the deliberation process, due to the gravity and importance of the issue at stake. However, on balance, I believe that the arguments to vote in favour of this Bill outweighed those against. The Bill has been, in my view, improved since Second Reading with the addition of many safeguards and clarifications.  

The Bill will now progress to the Lords for further scrutiny where further amendments may be made. 

Lastly, I want to reiterate how grateful I am for the engagement and support which I have been provided with by constituents on this issue.