Today Parliament debated and voted on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, also known as Assisted Dying.
This was the Bill’s Third Reading – the final opportunity for the House of Commons to scrutinise and vote on it. As with previous stages, MPs were given a free vote to make a personal decision on this deeply complex and emotional issue.
The result was:
Aye: 314. No: 291.
It passed with a majority of 23.
Today, I voted in favour of the Bill.
For those who are pleased about today’s outcome, please be aware that this is not law yet – the next stages will take time.
For those who are concerned about the passage of the Bill at this stage, there is further scrutiny and debate to come as the Bill will now go to the House of Lords where more amendments will be put forward and voted on.
In all, I made this decision because I do not believe the current status quo is right.
I believe those who are terminally ill, of sound mind and nearing the end of life should have the legal right to choose how they die and when – if they so wish.
I don’t believe it is right that people must travel abroad, at great cost and distress, or risk criminalisation of their loved ones for making this most personal of decisions. I also believe there are limitations to modern medicine, which mean some people will face the most horrific of deaths. I addressed this in my speech, you can see here: My speech on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill | Dr Luke Evans MP
Throughout the process, I have voted for additional time to debate the Bill and backed amendments to strengthen safeguards, including those related to mental health and eating disorders, while supporting amendments that look to improve palliative care and legal requirements to report on the levels and provisions of that care.
These have not been easy votes.
I respect the strength of feeling on all sides of the debate. Over 800 people from across our area have contacted me on this since the Bill was first tabled. I’ve met with many individuals and groups, listened to moving personal stories, and tried to reflect on all perspectives.
To everyone who shared their experiences with me – thank you. I know how personal and painful these conversations have been, and I’m deeply grateful for your honesty.
I know some will very much welcome my decision, while others will be deeply disappointed, both will have questions about what this means moving forward.
I’ll be responding to recent messages in due course.
As I said earlier this week – my door is always open.
If you would like to speak about my vote, have questions about what this change in the law means for you or your loved ones, or simply want to share your thoughts, please do write to me at luke.evans.mp@parliament.uk.
