Today I voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
I want to thank the many constituents who have contacted me on this matter. This is a complex and emotive issue and I know there are strongly held ethical and moral views on both sides of the debate. I have been deeply moved by the experiences shared with me by people both for and against the bill, and have been listening closely to all views.
Providing appropriate safeguards are in place, constituents will already know I have long supported a change in the law to enable terminally ill adults to receive, at their request, medically supervised assistance to end their own lives.
The status quo has inflicted too much harm on too many people for too long.
However, assisted dying should not be an alternative to high-quality palliative and end of life care. People deserve dignity in dying, and each person nearing the end of their life should feel reassured and safe in the knowledge they will receive the very best care.
I have long called for a national conversation about this sensitive issue – one that respects the sanctity of life and, importantly, the choices of those who are living it. You can see my comments from a Westminster Hall debate in July 2022, where I spoke on behalf of a constituent David Denison, here. I’ve also met with a number of constituents who have wanted to share their personal experience with me to inform my views, and have continued to listen, consult and engage in these issues.
Today’s debate should be seen as the start of this national conversation. The vote this afternoon means the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will now progress for further debate and scrutiny at the Committee stage, followed by the Report stage and third reading where further votes will take place.
I encourage constituents on all sides of the debate to continue their engagement with me on this to ensure we get this legislation right, so it protects the vulnerable, respects the sanctity of life and provides dignity in death.
Thank you again to all those who have got in touch with me about this important matter.
