Erewash MP to vote for the assisted dying bill
On Friday November 29th, MPs will vote in Parliament on the Assisted Dying Bill – which, if passed, will allow terminally ill patients with less than six months to live the opportunity to end their own lives, if they so choose.
I will be voting for the bill. I have long supported assisted dying, and made this clear when talking to voters ahead of the general election. As this debate has approached, I have intensely considered the specific wording of this bill, and discussed extensively with his fellow MPs, especially those in Derbyshire.
In recent weeks, a great many Erewash residents have contacted me concerning this issue. By email, on social media, and in-person, he has spoken to many residents about this, however they feel about this issue. By far a majority of local residents contacting me over this have urged me to vote for the bill.
I intend to speak in the debate on Friday. However, as so many MPs are likely to want to speak on such an important issue, he may not be able to. With permission from those concerned, if he is able to speak, I intend to share stories of some people impacted by the bill in his speech.
This is a very personal and emotive issue, both for me and, I know, a great number of Erewash residents. I’m pleased we are having a free vote on this issue, and that we have the opportunity for thorough discussion and debate. Fundamentally, I support a system of assisted dying which allows people the choice to end their lives with dignity; backed up by strong safeguards and protections for the most vulnerable. For me, that choice is paramount.