Assisted Dying

I appreciate how deeply personal and important this issue is, and I want to assure you that I have taken my responsibility on this matter very seriously. 

 

On Friday 20th June, MPs voted on the third reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which passed with a majority of 23. 

 

At second reading, I supported the bill because I believe people should have a choice at the end of life and because I wanted to ensure the bill received proper scrutiny in committee. Since then, I’ve engaged widely, consulting with medical professionals, attending parliamentary briefings, reviewing the Bill Committee transcripts, and listening to many constituents who generously shared their thoughts and personal experiences with me. 

 

Ahead of the Report Stage, I hosted an online event, "Voices on Assisted Dying in Chichester," on Wednesday 14 May. It was a valuable opportunity to hear voices from across the debate, including an overview of the Bill from Professor Emily Jackson OBE and contributions from local constituents and campaign groups. I’m very grateful to everyone who attended and shared their views. 

 

As the bill progressed, I supported amendments that I felt would strengthen its safeguards. I added my name to Amendment 21, tabled by my colleague Munira Wilson MP. This amendment requires the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to publish an assessment of the availability, quality, and distribution of palliative and end-of-life care services within a year of the Act being passed. This is a vital step to ensure any decision around assisted dying is made in the context of high-quality care. 

 

I also signed New Clause 2, which would prevent health professionals from raising the subject of assisted dying with anyone under the age of 18, an important protection for younger and more vulnerable patients. I’m pleased that both of these amendments were accepted. 

 

Ultimately, I chose to vote against the bill at third reading. While I support the principle of autonomy at the end of life, I was not confident that the legislation, in its current form, adequately protects vulnerable individuals or addresses the serious gaps in palliative care provision. As my party’s spokesperson for hospitals and primary care, I hear frequently from healthcare workers who raised consistent and legitimate concerns that I could not ignore. 

 

This was not an easy decision, and I know many constituents will feel disappointed. I share that feeling, but I had to be sure the law was ready to be implemented safely, and I did not believe it was. 

 

I remain committed to working constructively to ensure that any future legislation is safe, compassionate, and workable for patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike.