DROITWICH and Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston voted against the Assisted Dying Bill which made it through to the next stage in Parliament last week.
MPs voted on The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 which passed its third reading in the House of Commons by a margin of 23 votes – 314 in favour, 291 against.
Nigel Huddleston, MP for Droitwich, Evesham, was among those who voted against the Bill, citing ongoing concerns about safeguards and potential unintended consequences.
Following the vote, Mr Huddleston said: “This was not an easy decision, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to the many constituents who contacted me with their views – whether for or against.
“I value and appreciate the diversity of perspectives shared. My main concern remains the adequacy of the safeguards within the current draft of the Bill.
“While some improvements and amendments have been made in recent weeks – which I supported – I still do not believe the current version meets the high threshold of confidence required for such a significant change in law.”
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.
During the debate, which was not about the principles of assisted dying but rather the specifics of the Bill, Mr Huddleston acknowledged how his views have evolved over time as a result of hearing from constituents and from individuals with lived experience, including both those who have supported loved ones through end-of-life care and those who have carried lasting regret facilitating a loved-ones assisted death.
He added: “Every now and again in this place, we have the awesome responsibility of making decisions that we know could ease suffering – or could cost or save lives, and this is one such decision.”
“No one side has a monopoly on compassion. All of us want to make the right decision. And this is not an easy choice.”
He concluded that while future legislation with stronger safeguards might be something he could support, this Bill, as it stands, does not pass the threshold of confidence he believes is necessary to justify such a significant legal change.
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 (Conservative) and Nigel Farage (Reform UK). There is no vote recorded for Lib Dem leader Ed Davey.
