AHEAD of the vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill I spent a great deal of time listening very carefully to the views of constituents and have had many conversations and email exchanges with people about the issue.

I’d like to thank all those constituents who contacted me, often sharing very personal and harrowing experiences which must have been difficult to relive.

Your letters were respectful and understanding that people have very varied experiences and views, and that this decision would not be easy.

I also spent time reading briefings and looking at the evidence presented by both sides. On Friday I listened carefully to the often emotionally charged contributions of fellow MPs, from all sides of the House. 

Being involved in this process has been a humbling – and often emotional – experience.

I am extremely aware of the responsibility placed on us to get this right – it is literally a matter of life and death. 

This was never going to be an easy decision but whilst I am not opposed to reform in principle I decided to vote against the bill.

I made this decision for the following important reasons:

  • I was not convinced that the Bill, as it was drafted, provided adequate safeguards particularly against coercion.
  • I was concerned about the burden this would place on health and care providers which are already under considerable strain.
  • I thought that this Bill only looks at one choice for end of life – and we also need to consider how we improve all choices, including funding palliative care. I was influenced by the concerns raised by Hospice UK and others on this matter. 


I respect the views of colleagues who have supported the Bill today. It is important to note that we are at the start of the legislative process and that the Bill will be further scrutinised, with amendments considered, in the coming months before it will become law.

I will, of course, continue to engage with that process with the hope that the legislation can be improved to address the concerns I have raised.