I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts and personal experiences with me on this important issue. Whether in support or opposition, the contributions I have received underscore the complexity and emotional weight of this debate.

This is the second time I have voted on assisted dying, and it remains the most difficult vote I have ever faced. The decision today was not about the principle of Assisted Dying itself but rather on the specific process and legislation proposed to create a system for Assisted Dying.

While I appreciate the intent of the bill, I cannot support it as it stands. The safeguards within the proposed legislation are, in my view, insufficient, particularly the judicial aspects. If the role of the judiciary is to rigorously evaluate and protect against coercion, I fear that families may spend their final days in the stress and burden of litigation, with the emotional and financial toll that entails. Conversely, if a High Court judge’s role is reduced to simply signing off requests, then this does not offer the robust safeguard we need for such a profound decision.

A decade ago, I opposed Assisted Dying due to the state of social care and access to high-quality palliative care. Regrettably, ten years on, these systems have not improved to a level where I feel individuals will genuinely be afforded a free and fair choice. Until we can ensure that every person has access to the compassionate care they need in their final days, I remain deeply concerned about the potential for coercion.

This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but I thank everyone again for their engagement in recent months.