North Northumberland MP shares ‘intense relief’ after Assisted Dying vote fails
North Northumberland MP David Smith has spoken of his ‘intense relief’ after proposed laws on assisted dying were thrown out of Parliament.
In a Westminster vote, 270 MPs voted to progress the Bill, while 286 voted against.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would have allowed adults with fewer than six months to live to apply to be given help to end their own life, subject to certain safeguards.
David Smith, who has voted against the proposed laws throughout, said: “It’s been an emotional, exhausting day and I am convinced we have reached the right decision for the people of this country.
“I am overwhelmingly relieved for those that would have been made even more vulnerable by such a law, here in North Northumberland and across the country.
“I would like to recognise Ashley Dalton MP for her moving speech. Living with terminal cancer and rejecting this proposed law shows an incredible level of integrity. I would also like to thank Dr Zubir Ahmed, a former health minister, for his words and perspective as a surgeon who has spent his working life trying to preserve life.
“Although I had hoped to speak in Parliament today, so many of my colleagues did us proud in representing the many thousands of constituents who have written to us over the past two years. This Bill was not in our manifesto and should not have got this far when we have plenty of work to do in sorting out the NHS, our buckling social care and persistent poverty.
“I understand and respect those who wanted it to become law, and I know today’s outcome is not what they had hoped for.
“I urge us all now to come together around greater investment in skilled palliative care, as delivered by incredible organisations like HospiceCare North Northumberland.
“We need ways to improve quality of life, rather than hasten death.
“Finally, I would like to thank all who have written to me to share their views on both sides, and those that have supported my stance. I have read every single letter and learned a lot from your fears, hopes and experiences. It has been my honour to be your MP in this time.”
A similar bill in the last parliamentary session was supported by MPs before stalling in the House of Lords.