DROITWICH and Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston voted against the Assisted Dying Bill which made it through to the next stage in Parliament today.
Mr Huddleston thanked the constituents that got in touch to share their thoughts and family stories, and said his views on the matter have changed over the years.
The bill made it through in this afternoon’s vote by 330 votes to 275.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 went before the House of Commons after being brought by Kim Leadbetter MP as a Private Members’ Bill.
The bill includes a substantial safeguarding criteria before a person is permitted to end their life, including assessments by two doctors, at least seven days apart. It will also be up to the High Court to decide if the requirements are met.
He said: “After much consideration, I have decided to vote against this bill.
“For a matter of such importance, I must be absolutely confident that I would be doing the right thing if I supported the Bill, and I cannot, in good conscience, say that is the case with this bill.
“I have concerns regarding safeguarding measures and coercion, the potential for a “slippery slope,” and experiences from other countries where initially tight legislation has expanded beyond its original intent.
“Furthermore, I am troubled by the absence of a comprehensive impact assessment accompanying this bill and the level of scrutiny it is receiving.”
He added that he knew his decision would upset some constituents.
“This has not been an easy decision, and I remain committed to scrutinising any future developments or amendments should this bill or a future one progress further. It may well be the case that a future bill could assuage my concerns.”
Prime Minster Sir Kier Starmer voted in favour, as did Chancellor Rachel Reeves and former prime minister Rishi Sunak.
Among the most prominent MPs to vote against were Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who will now have a prominent role in shaping the legislation, as well as Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, and opposition party leaders Kemi Badenoch, Ed Davey and Nigel Farage.
