Assisted dying

[Last updated 27/06/25]

This is a deeply complex and emotive subject, with strongly held opinions on both sides of the debate. I have continued to monitor developments very closely since the last vote on this issue took place in November.
 
Last Friday, 314 MPs voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. I was one of the 291 MPs who voted against it, because I don’t think the Bill has adequate safeguards or protections.
 
As I have stated previously, Private Members’ Bills (PMBs), which are introduced by backbench MPs, do not get the same level of scrutiny and debate as Government Bills. Having passed a PMB in the last Parliament, I am aware they are normally only used for small changes in the law.

Over the past few months, I have continued to review the extensive guidance provided to MPs about the strengths and weaknesses of legislating via a PMB. I was not persuaded that this Bill is the correct legislative solution for a change in the law. For example, while the Bill creates legal rights to assisted dying, I do not believe it provides sufficient safeguards, nor does it 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.
 
My constituents were also split on this important issue, with 329 constituents writing to me since the Bill was first announced to share their support for the Bill, and 485 stating their opposition.
 
Constituents presented many valid arguments for and against the Bill, both in written correspondence and at a special town hall event that I held on the issue last November. Many thanks to you and to everyone who shared their views with me.
 
The Bill has passed all of the stages in the House of Commons, and will now progress to the House of Lords where it will face further scrutiny. Please be assured that I will continue to follow key developments as the Bill makes its way through the Lords.