Crewe & Nantwich MP Connor Naismith says he voted for the controversial assisted dying bill because people “deserve a choice at the end of their lives”.
MPs today narrowly backed the bill legalising assisted dying in England and Wales by 23 votes.
Officially called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, it will now progress to the House of Lords, where it will face further scrutiny, but it is now likely to become law.
Mr Naismith issued a statement to defend the way he voted on the Bill in the House of Commons today.
He said: “I voted in favour of the bill at third reading today.
“I have heard passionate views from constituents and organisations on both sides of this debate and I sincerely welcome that the country has had the opportunity to debate this important issue for many months now.
“Ultimately, I heard too many tragic stories of individuals left to suffer a drawn out, painful death.
“I do not believe this is in the interests of that individual and I also know that it is extremely emotionally painful for the loved ones of those individuals to witness.
“I believe people deserve a choice at the end of their lives.
“This is not about choosing if a person dies, it’s about choosing how they die.
“This is because the bill will only apply in circumstances where a person is terminally ill with six months or less to live.
“Many constituents contacted me concerned about whether the bill contained sufficient safeguards to prevent the coercion of individuals at the end of their lives.
“This is a valid concern and one that I have paid great attention to.
“No bill is perfect or will ever guarantee safeguards in every single circumstance.
“However, I am confident that the bill has some of the most significant safeguards of any similar legislation around the world.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer voted in favour of the bill, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch voted against.
Under the new law, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live will be able to seek medical assistance to end their own lives.
Thank you Connor
Very sensitive and personal subject.
I for one support this decision but respect those who don’t.
Hopefully everyone will treat this story with respect and understand democracy has worked here.
Not holding my breath for the comment section here.