I have received many hundreds of pieces of individual correspondence about the Assisted Dying Bill, with many deeply personal experiences shared.
I thank South West Norfolk residents for this engagement.
I have taken these views on board when deciding upon my own position and how I should vote on this issue.
You will likely be aware that I previously voted in favour of the second and third reading of essentially the same bill, tabled by Kim Leadbeater MP in the previous parliamentary session.
Despite my support, I had a number of concerns about the proposals that I raised at that time.
In particular, I had concerns about coercion and the need to ensure that safeguards were built into the proposals to protect vulnerable people.
My previous vote was very difficult, because I agree with the principle of assisted dying. I do not see it as my right to prevent somebody from ending their own life when they are terminally ill and suffering excruciating pain, even though it may not necessarily be something I would choose for myself.
But, I also have a responsibility and duty of care to protect more vulnerable members of society, particularly the disabled, from being coerced into doing something they may not necessarily want to do.
I must be certain that the legislation I am voting for to become law is robust, safe and practical.
Despite my vote in favour at second reading, I supported a number of the amendments of the previous bill from opponents of the core proposals, but these were not supported by a majority of MPs at that time.
I had hoped that the House of Lords would have refined and improved the bill through their debate and amendment process, but this did not happen as the parliamentary time elapsed without conclusion.
Whilst I recognise many Members of the House of Lords had legitimate concerns and tabled amendments to improve the bill, there were many that did so in order to frustrate and ultimately delay the process. This was highly regrettable in my view.
The bill has now been re-tabled in its original format, unamended. I am increasingly of the view that in order for this bill to progress in a safe and responsible way, that it would need to be introduced as a Government Bill, so that the standard parliamentary processes can be used to shape it and most importantly, to improve it. Otherwise, there is a real danger of a poorly worded and potentially risky bill becoming law.
With these considerations in mind, I have decided to ABSTAIN from voting for the second reading today, and may vote against if necessary, at a future juncture in its parliamentary process if it were to pass today.
I recognise this is a deeply complex matter with many personal experiences and strong feelings guiding both sides. I thank residents once again for taking the time to write to me on this issue. I will continue to listen to all points of view and carefully consider future amendments.
Terry Jermy MP
Member of Parliament, South West Norfolk
