Somerset MPs voting in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill

They are three of only a handful out of MPs to so far reveal their voting intention ahead of the vote next week on November 29.

The Assisted Dying Bill, sponsored by Kim Leadbeater, MP, is a plan to allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards, to be assisted in ending their own life.

The bill stipulates that the person must have the mental capacity to make a choice about the end of their life, and must express a “clear, settled and informed” wish, free from coercion or pressure.

The bill excludes disability and mental illness as eligibility criteria. If it eventually becomes law, only permanent residents of England and Wales registered with a GP for at least 12 months will be eligible.

The life-ending medication must be administered by the patient and cannot be administered by a health professional or anyone else.

Local politicians support bill

Some Somerset MPs are pro the bill.

“Having carefully reviewed the bill, I have decided that I will vote in favour of its second reading,” Bridgwater’s MP Sir Ashley Fox said.

"This is an issue that deserves a full and thoughtful debate in Parliament. I am committed to listening to all views as we consider this important change.”

Fox was backed by Labour MP for North Somerset, Sadik Al-Hassan and Adam Dance MP for Yeovil and South Somerset.

“The upcoming vote on assisted dying is an important and sensitive issue about giving terminally ill people dignity, compassion, and choice. I believe those suffering with a terminal illness should have the right to choose a peaceful end, supported by strong safeguards to protect vulnerable people and ensure decisions are made freely," Adam Dance MP said.

"The current law denies this choice and punishes loved ones who support their family’s final wishes. Every year, hundreds face difficult end-of-life situations or pay large sums to travel abroad for an assisted death. This is unfair and needs to change."

Adam Dance also mentioned that most people, including many doctors, support changing the law. Other countries like Canada and New Zealand have shown it is possible to introduce safeguards whilst giving people more control. 

 "At the same time, it’s vital to continue improving palliative care and supporting carers," Adam Dance added. 

“Contrary to what you might expect if you look at social media the large majority of those contacting me have expressed views in support of the bill,” Sadik Al-Hassan said. “After serious consideration, I have decided to vote in favour of this bill.”

Al-Hassan went on to add that he feels the bill itself is the right kind of compromise and that he understands the concerns surrounding the bill. It is ultimately about allowing people to have a choice, he said.

“The Bill is not about our individual views, it is about doing what is right; giving everyone the freedom of choice on this deeply personal matter,” he said. “We all like to imagine that our death will be dignified, with all our family around us as we slip into our final sleep. This, however, isn’t always the case."

Such a law would give a small group of people control over the end of their lives.

"It will give back control to those who are battling some of the worst illnesses imaginable, offering some reassurance as they face the unknown," he said.

Sadik has also addressed the argument that the Bill is a “slippery slope” saying how he disagrees and feels that with the appropriate controls, this would not be the case – with only those in the most extreme circumstance eligible.

Ultimately, the bill is designed to help support palliative care, not replace it as many have argued. It is not about a "slippery slope".

“Most importantly of all, this Bill is about choice. If you’re terminally ill, you can still choose to receive full palliative care until the end,” al-Hassan said. “I believe in this bill; this is about people having the freedom of personal choice and the same dignity in death that we have in life.”

The first reading took place July 26 with the second reading due November 29. It is a free vote, meaning MPs’ parties are not telling them how to cast their vote.

A similar bill was axed at its second reading in 2015, with just 28 Conservative MPs voting in support. 330 MPs voted against the Bill.

We would welcome the thoughts of the local community on this sensitive subject. Please email us if you have direct experience of this issue, are a carer of someone who may have been or is terminally ill, or you are a patient facing end-of-life issues. If you feel strongly about this story, please do share your views by email and send to: Molly.Kirk@newsquest.co.uk