I have received hundreds of emails and letters from constituents and listened, in person, to so many local people who have approached me about today’s vote in Parliament on assisted dying.
There are passionately held views on both sides of the debate and I am grateful to everyone who has been in touch for sharing with me their heartfelt emotions and their personal and family situations in such a respectful, dignified way.
I have listened carefully to each and every one of them. I have also followed the wider debate that has taken place since my colleague, Kim Leadbetter MP, first put forward the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, read countless submissions from local and national charities and organisations as well as examining the proposal under consideration in great detail.
I know all too well that watching a friend of family member suffering in pain as they approach the end of the life is a harrowing and difficult thing. The impact on those individuals and those around them is immeasurable and it is only right that we listen and act in a compassionate way to minimise their suffering as best we can.
On the other hand, there are also genuine concerns about how this Bill will affect vulnerable people and those who may feel they have become a burden to their families and the NHS. It is important that we also get to hear the views of those doctors and nurses who are responsible for providing the care and support to terminally ill people and who, if this Bill were to go ahead, would have an active role in making any final decision on ending someone’s life.
Full consideration needs to be given to a proper, detailed consultation of the public and of the care and medical professions. Robust safeguards that protect vulnerable people from coercion and pressure would be essential. A thorough review of our palliative care system, already under great pressure, is also needed so that we can be confident that the care that we give to people who find themselves in this situation is the very best that we can provide.
Whilst I remain deeply sympathetic to the proposal to legalise assisted dying for those that are terminally ill, I am of the opinion that, in its current format, this Bill is being rushed through. A change in the law of this significance requires more lengthy and detailed deliberation and for all of its possible implications to be subjected to rigorous public and parliamentary analysis and scrutiny than has been provided for at this stage.
It is for these reasons that, after very careful consideration, I will be voting against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill later today.