My statement after listening to the debate today on the Private Members Bill on Assisted Dying.
I decided after much thought to vote against the Bill. I have written straightaway to all my constituents who have directly contacted me on this issue to give my final view and explain why.
I have received a great amount of correspondence from constituents on this matter. I have of course taken the time to read the many moving and heartfelt letters and emails on both sides of the argument. I have also spoken to many constituents and heard deep and impassioned views on this difficult issue. At Westminster, MPs from all sides have been discussing the feedback they have had from their communities.
The debate on Friday was a rigorous and deep discussion of both the technicalities of the Bill and the principles of the issue.
I do believe that the Bill was not in the right form for me to support it. It was narrow and did not contain the vital safeguards that are necessary. I have concerns over the potential expansion of its effect by the courts and I was especially worried the clause requiring a clear 6 month prognosis was not appropriate. Like many colleagues highlighted today, I know people given this very sad prognosis who survive less time and many who go on to spend happy, loving but challenging moments far beyond these 6 months. The Bill proposer himself admitted that such a prognosis would solely be an assessment on the ‘balance of probabilities’.
We all have our own experience of loved ones who have suffered greatly in the last stages of their life. I have had my own. Both sides came to this debate with the same motive: to continue to alleviate suffering and to do what is right. I hope that in future months this debate will shine a light on our urgent need to put more resources into palliative care in order to protect the most vulnerable.