Assisted dying bill: East Berkshire and South Bucks MPs share their views ahead of crucial vote

MPs across East Berkshire and South Bucks have had their say ahead of a crucial vote on a controversial bill which could make it legal for terminally ill adults to be assisted in ending their own lives.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, commonly known as the assisted dying bill, was first introduced to Parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater in October.

The Private Members’ Bill looks to allow adults who are terminally ill and have six months to live to request and be provided with assistance to end their own lives, subject to safeguards and protections.

Since being given the green light at second reading in November, hundreds of amendments to the bill have been considered.

Tomorrow (Friday) MPs will consider the remaining amendments at report stage and take part in a free vote at a third reading, which will decide whether the bill moves on to the House of Lords or is voted down.

Josh Reynolds - Lib Dem MP for Maidenhead

Mr Reynolds said his stance remains unchanged from second reading and he will be voting in favour of the bill.

He said: “I think the amendments have only made the bill stronger from where it was at the beginning to where it is now, so I think the strengthening of the position and the strengthening of the safeguards have been really important.

“For me, there is that level of supporting people who want to have a dignified death and that’s really important for me.”

Mr Reynolds said he agrees with improved palliative care, but he does not feel it is a choice between the bill or palliative care and believes there is a case where the two ‘can work together in their own way’.

Jack Rankin - Conservative MP for Windsor

Mr Rankin said he will continue to vote against the bill at third reading.

He said: “I am concerned that this bill will hurt the most vulnerable people, such as those with Down syndrome or anorexia as the committee rejected amendments to protect these groups.

“We have also heard about some tragic cases abroad where pressure is applied by family members to benefit financially, sadly this will happen as the safeguards against coercion in this bill are not robust.

“The answer must be better palliative care.”

He added: “The committee process – far from making the bill watertight – has exposed just how dangerous this legislation is.

“I have been backing amendments that seek to strengthen this bill – but I am steadfast in my view that this bill is not the right bill.”

Tan Dhesi - Labour MP for Slough

Mr Dhesi said his position remains unchanged from second reading when he voted against the bill.

He said: “I continue to have concerns regarding the safeguarding of vulnerable people and believe more focus should be given to improving palliative care currently.

“As this bill has progressed, the lack of Parliamentary time allocated to a matter which would fundamentally change our healthcare system has also alarmed me.

“Parliament must be afforded sufficient time for thorough scrutiny, anything less would be a disservice to those we represent.”

Joy Morrissey - Conservative MP for Beaconsfield

Mrs Morrissey said that after ‘considerable reflection and careful consideration of the wide range of views from constituents’ her position remains unchanged from when she voted against the bill at second reading.

She said: “I continue to have deep concerns about the potential unintended consequences for vulnerable individuals.

“I believe our priority should be to improve access to high-quality palliative care, so that every person facing the end of life receives the support and dignity they deserve.”

Clive Jones - Lib Dem MP for Wokingham

Mr Jones said: “I will be making up my mind which way to vote during the debate on Friday.

“In previous votes, I have voted in favour of the bill.”