Assisted dying

[Last updated 29/11/24]

I know the subject of assisted death is often extremely personal. People across Bristol North West have strongly held views, both for and against it. I have welcomed the high level of engagement ahead of the debate taking place in Parliament, including at the Town Hall debate I held in Westbury-on-Trym on Friday 22nd November.

Over the last few weeks, I have read through a large number of emails and letters from constituents to help conclude my thoughts on the Bill. Ahead of the debate, 611 constituents had contacted me to share their views. Of those 611 constituents, 67% opposed the Bill, whilst 33% supported it.
 
You will know the vote was a free vote in Parliament. This means Members of Parliament (MPs) were not told by Party Whips whether to support or oppose the Bill. Given the decision was a matter of conscience, the Prime Minister also suspended collective Cabinet responsibility on any votes associated with the Bill to allow Ministers to express their individual views. Ahead of the vote, the Government was officially neutral on the issue.
 
I have stated previously, and publicly, my view that a Private Members’ Bill (PMB) is not the right way to try to introduce a change in law on such a complex issue. 
 
PMBs, which are introduced by backbench MPs, don't get the same level of scrutiny and debate as Government Bills. As someone who passed a PMB in the last Parliament, I am aware they are normally only used for small changes in the law.

Ahead of the debate, I reviewed the Bill closely, and considered the extensive guidance provided to MPs about the strengths and weaknesses of legislating via a PMB. I was not persuaded this Bill is the correct legislative solution for a change in the law.

For example, while the Bill creates legal rights to assisted dying, it does not adequately explain who is liable if something goes wrong. I have campaigned against many injustices in the past, and can’t therefore vote for new legal rights without clear liability and redress provisions.

Given my concerns, I voted against the Bill at Second Reading.

As you will know, the Bill passed Second Reading by 330 to 275. This means it will progress to the next step of the scrutiny process called the Committee Stage in the House of Commons. The Bill has not yet become law and there will be further votes in this Parliament.

Ahead of those votes, I will continue to review the Bill’s progress very closely and look forward to engaging with you again in the weeks and months ahead.