Following the debate on the Assisted Dying Bill, I wanted to thank you for letting me know your views and to explain why, after much very careful thought, I decided to vote against the Bill.
In the last few weeks, I have received an enormous number of messages from my constituents, expressing strong opinions both for and against. I recognise the strength of feeling that this issue evokes on both sides and have considered the arguments made to me by many who have deeply held views one way or another on this topic. It was not an easy decision, as I recognise that many believe that it is right to give choice to people at the end of life in order to allow them to die in dignity and without suffering. Put this way, it is hard to say that this is not desirable. However, I have always been concerned that a change in the law may result in vulnerable people feeling pressured to end their life when there are viable alternatives available. Having considered the Bill very carefully, I am not convinced that the safeguards against this which the Bill attempts to put in place are sufficiently robust.
It has always been ethically permissible for doctors to do this in order to relieve suffering and pain and in recent years palliative care has hugely improved. However, there is still an urgent need to invest more to ensure that high quality care is available to all those who need it. I am concerned that if the Bill becomes law it will lead to resources being diverted within an NHS already under financial pressure and that palliative care will become a lower priority.
I do accept that the Bill, as presently drafted, is narrowly drawn and applies only to adults with a terminal illness whom are reasonably expected to have no more than 6 months to live. Whilst there are many cases of people still living after many years of having been told that they have months to live, once on the statute book, there will also inevitably be calls to extend it to others such as those with incurable illness or even mental distress. Experience in other countries is that once introduced there is inevitably pressure to bring in other categories and senior lawyers have highlighted their concern that any restrictions on those covered will immediately be open to legal challenge.
Parliament has decided to give the Bill a Second Reading and so it will move to be considered in Committee. I hope that this will provide an opportunity to consider the impact of allowing assisted suicide in much greater detail and to ensure that the safeguards are as robust as possible. It will then return to the Chamber of the House of Commons where there will be a further vote. I will therefore continue to study the debate carefully in the coming months on what I recognise will be a momentous decision for our country and people.
