Salisbury MP says he's 'wrestled with conscience' ahead of assisted dying vote
MP's have a free vote today in Parliament - meaning they can vote how they feel, rather than on Party orders
Salisbury MP John Glen says he's 'wrestled with his conscience' over how to vote on the Assisted Dying Bill today.
A free vote on whether or not to legalise assisted dying is being held in Parliament today.
If approved, the bill would allow terminally ill adults expected to die within six months could seek help in ending their life should two doctors and a High Court judge verify their eligibility and have made the choice voluntarily.
Mr Glen said he is acutely aware of the impact of end-of-life suffering, following his father's death from cancer eight years ago, aged just 69, and the loss of his grandmother last year, who was 102, with several of her last years impacted significantly by impaired quality of life.
In a statement, he said: "After wrestling with my conscience, attending numerous meetings in Parliament, and listening closely to the wildly different but equally passionately held views of many constituents, I have made my decision.
"I have also consulted front-line medics who would undoubtedly be asked to play a significant role in administering the process of assisted dying.
"Providing dignity for those who are dying is a concern for everyone, but I feel deeply troubled about how the process would work and what would happen in future if this decision was made now."
Mr Glen added that he will seek to address the anxiety expressed by many people to him about the suffering they or their loved ones face, while also raising concerns that 'this bill will lead to outcomes many do not envisage with pressure placed on vulnerable people to declare their desire to opt for ‘assisted dying’ to avoid being a burden.'
He believes that this is an opportunity bolster end of life care in Britain.
"I am far from persuaded this would not lead to further changes to broaden the six-month interval before death, a prognosis which is almost impossible to make reliably.
"The generally excellent palliative care we have in this country is not found consistently everywhere all the time.
"I want to use this moment of national conversation to enhance provision for hospices and provide physicians and the public with authoritative guidance on how pain relief and care is delivered at end of life."
Amesbury MP warns fellow MPs of voting for new Bill
Meanwhile, Amesbury MP Danny Kruger has told his fellow members that if they think the bill can be improved they're wrong.
Posting on his X (formerly Twitter) account, he said: "To MPs imagining we can 'improve' the Assisted Dying Bill after 2nd Reading: we can't.
"A pro-Bill majority on the committee will reject any amendments, and then ministers will decide outstanding details via negative procedure.
"The only power we'll ever have is this Friday."
He added that anyone who thinks the Bill is flawed, must vote against it.
"You might think it could be improved, but to vote Aye at Second Reading is to vote for the Bill as it is: you support the current text, and are happy for it to become law unamended. If you think the Bill is deficient - even if you support the principle of it - you should vote No.