MP speaks out on Assisted Dying vote

In todays Parliamentary vote, the MP for Montgomeryshire & Glyndwr has expressed his support for the proposed Assisted Dying Bill.

The bill, which passed its second reading in the House of Commons today, seeks to legalise assisted dying for adults in England and Wales, setting the stage for further deliberations before it can potentially become law.

In response to the bill's progress, Steve Witherden MP shared his perspective stating, “At a pre-election hustings, I made it clear that I supported changes to the law to legalize assisted dying, provided I was satisfied that safeguards against any abuse would be enshrined in the new law."

He further highlighted, “I believe in the right of an individual, who finds themselves in such circumstances, to choose the time of their passing and that it is inappropriate for the state to take away their right to choose.”

Steve emphasised the need for robust protections within the legislation, stating, “The bill is clear in defining terminal illness, which excludes mental health conditions and disabilities. Patients would be required to sign two witnessed declarations, receive approval from two doctors acting independently, and then approval from the High Court."

Regarding the importance of regulated procedures, Steve added, “This bill promotes freedom of choice at the end of life in a controlled and regulated manner."

During the parliamentary debate on November 29, 2024, Steve posed a question to his colleagues, highlighting the current unregulated nature of assisted dying and the need for legal provisions.

He stated, “Assisted dying is already occurring in unregulated ways with up to 650 terminally ill people taking their own lives each year, often in traumatic circumstances causing additional pain for their loved ones."

He further questioned, “Does my honourable friend agree that legal assisted dying would provide essential safeguards where there currently are none?”