“Today, MPs debated and then voted on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. I voted in favour of the Bill, and I’m pleased to say that it passed its Second Reading.

“The bill would allow terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to end their own lives, with the assistance of medical professionals. The bill also includes a number of safeguards, to protect against patients being coerced into assisted dying against their will – for example, a High Court judge would need to approve the order, and the patient would need to administer the lethal substance themselves.

“Voting for this bill wasn’t an easy decision, and I want to thank the constituents and groups who told me their views and experiences. Every single piece of feedback was valuable, including from those who wanted me to oppose the bill – while I voted for it at this stage, I will be paying close attention to how the bill is amended, and I will only vote for it to become law if I am satisfied with the safeguards that are in place.

“Ultimately, I had to vote with my own conscience, and my view is that the right to dignity and autonomy is fundamental, in life and in death – and that it’s possible to give people that right while protecting their freedom to live if they choose.

“Now, the bill will go to its Committee and Report stages, where MPs will gather evidence and testimonies and produce amendments. In the spring of 2025, MPs will have a chance to vote on amendments, and then on the bill in its amended form, at Third Reading. There’s a long way to go before this bill becomes law – if at all.”