The Assisted Dying Bill has passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons by a narrow majority of just 23 votes.
I am disappointed by this outcome. Whilst I respect the sincerity of members who supported it, I could not support legislation that lacked vital safeguards and voted against the Bill today.
Although some concessions were made following last week’s votes, such as the removal of the provision allowing 16 and 17 year olds to access assisted dying, the removal of High Court approval, the absence of proper protections for those with serious mental health conditions, the lack of safeguards against coercion and many other elements of the bill remain deeply troubling. The bill also received limited scrutiny at Committee stage, and no impact assessment was carried out before the vote. Crucially, MPs were asked to vote without seeing the final version of the bill - a serious concern for legislation of this gravity.
Despite the Bill passing, it is worth noting that a majority of MPs did not vote in favour. On an issue of such moral and legal importance, I believe that should give pause for reflection.
In addition, several leading medical colleges, such as The Royal College of Psychiatrists, Royal College of Physicians and the British Geriatrics Society have said they are not yet ready to deliver what the Bill proposes, raising real questions about how this would be implemented safely in practice. Disability Rights UK and other advocacy groups have voiced serious fears about how the Bill could place pressure on disabled people, especially those who may already feel like a burden.
I will continue to speak up for vulnerable people and press for stronger oversight and protections in any future proposals. We have a duty to ensure that those who may be at risk are properly safeguarded, and I will always take that responsibility seriously.
