I have spent many months thoroughly considering the implications of the Bill. This is an issue that touches the deepest ethical, moral, and personal questions in our society. It is not one that any Member of Parliament approaches lightly. Since the introduction of the Assisted Dying Bill, I have spent considerable time listening to constituents, consulting experts, reviewing evidence, and reflecting on both the intentions behind the legislation and its potential long-term consequences.
I originally voted against the Second Reading of the Bill in November 2024 and was then subsequently invited to participate as a member of the Bill Committee to scrutinise its contents. During this time, the Bill Committee met for 10 to 20 hours every week for ten weeks, and considered over 600 pieces of oral evidence, 444 written evidence and over 600 amendments. I submitted 18 amendments to the Bill to try and protect vulnerable people, including one that would prevent someone from being coerced into making the decision to end their life and one where a doctor is not allowed to raise assisted dying with a patient first. Only two of my amendments were accepted into the final bill, and I am concerned that safeguards submitted by me and my colleagues to make the bill safer were rejected.
I voted against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at its third reading. This is not a decision I took lightly, but I do not believe that the Bill contains all the necessary safeguards and amendments to protect vulnerable groups, such as older people, those experiencing domestic violence, people with learning disabilities, down syndrome, people with eating disorders and others.
Moreover, I believe we should be doing more to invest in and strengthen palliative care, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality, compassionate care at the end of their life.
At the end of last year, the Government announced an uplift of £100m in funding for hospices, but after 14 years of cuts to public services by the previous government, I still believe more funding for palliative care is needed. No one should feel that the only way to die with dignity is to choose to hasten death itself.
I know that opinions on this issue are deeply held and often come from a place of personal experience and compassion. Whether in support or in opposition, the views I have received from constituents have been heartfelt, thoughtful and sincere and I am very grateful for every constituent who has written to me to on this matter.