EXCLUSIVE: Woking MP Will Forster says he "can't look people that he's spoken to in the eye" if he votes against Assisted Dying bill.
Mr Forster, who was elected to Parliament in July, told Greatest Hits Radio that we have to ensure "people die in dignity"
Last updated 28th Nov 2024
The MP for Woking has told Greatest Hits Radio that he "can't look people that he's spoken to in the eye" if he votes against assisted dying, as he declares publicly that he will support the bill.
The Assisted Dying Bill is due to be debated in Parliament on Friday 29th November, with a five-hour debate set to take place in the House Of Commons.
The Bill, which covers England and Wales only, proposes terminally ill adults with less than six months to live who have a settled wish to die should have the option to do so.
Opposition campaigners have expressed concerns around vulnerable people feeling pressured to take their own lives, and urged a focus on improving palliative care.
Speaking exclusively to Greatest Hits Radio Surrey and East Hampshire, Will Forster explained his decision.
"I'll be voting in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill. I've spoken to so many people about this, some have had to have their loved one die in pain, because medically you can't stop that pain.
"That person wanted to die peacefully and they weren't able to.
"I spoke to others where their relatives did go to Dignitas in Switzerland. They weren't able to say goodbye to them properly. One was a police officer who worried about losing his job because he drove his parent to the airport.
"I can't look those people in the eye if I don't vote in favour. We need to ensure that when someone is terminally ill and is about to die they have the choice to die in dignity and without pain."