Bracknell MP invites residents to share opinions on assisted dying
Labour's Peter Swallow says he hasn't decided how he will vote when the assisted dying bill goes before parliament
The MP for Bracknell would like to hear people’s views on whether to give terminally ill people the right to choose to end their life.
A public consultation ran by Peter Swallow MP will take place this Friday (November 22) ahead of the parliamentary vote on November 29.
The bill, introduced by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater, will see politicians decide on the issue for the first time in nine years, after another was rejected in 2015.
The bill would give terminally ill people with six months to live the option to end their lives, with permission from two doctors and a high court judge.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given Labour MPs a free vote on the issue, meaning they can vote with their own conscience rather than following his party’s line.
The Labour MP for Bracknell said he is ‘not yet decided’ and is inviting residents to share their perspectives and experiences at a meeting to help inform which way he will vote.
Mr Swallow said the bill ‘touches issues ranging from ethical convictions of healthcare professionals to the dignity of individuals enduring suffering’.
Senior Labour ministers including Heath Secretary Wes Streeting and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson have both confirmed they will vote against the bill.
Mr Streeting said he did not think the country’s palliative care system could cope to support assisted dying.
Those looking to attend can email Peter Swallow’s office for more information.