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20
Jun
Local MPs split on assisted dying bill
Local MPs whose constituencies include the Harrogate district were split today (June 20) on their votes for the assisted dying bill.
The free vote meant MPs could vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines for the third reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
The landmark bill passed narrowly, with a majority of just 23. A total of 314 MPs voted in favour, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whilst 291 voted against.
Thirty-one MPs did not vote.
The bill, which now must pass through the House of Lords, allows terminally ill adults in England and Wales to end their lives with assistance from a doctor.
Since its second reading last November, which passed with 330 votes to 275, the bill has become increasingly divisive. Read how your MP voted below.
Tom Gordon
Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has been strongly in favour of the bill from the outset.
In December, Mr Gordon became a member of the committee that scrutinised the bill.
Mr Gordon issued a statement welcoming today's vote. It said:
I’m immensely proud of Parliament today, we’ve seen politics at its best. The debate was constructive from both sides and it was moving to hear moving stories from so many of my colleagues.
For me the bill is about moving away from an unacceptable status quo, and in the direction of compassion. We need to give people the freedom of choice at the end of their life.
Sir Alec Shelbrooke
Sir Alec Shelbrooke, the Conservative MP for Wetherby and Easingwold, has been equally vocal about the bill, which he voted against.
Ahead of today's third reading, Mr Shelbrooke shared he would be voting against the bill.
He said in a social media post:
Whatever you think of the principle of assisted dying - and there are good arguments for and against - the proposed legislation is weak, rushed and has more risks than safeguards.
Six months have passed since second reading, yet in that time there's still been very little debate in the House. Only 19% of amendments have been debated and only 14% of MPs have had the opportunity to take part.
This is no way to make new law, especially law of such profound impact.
Sir Julian Smith
Conservative MP Sir Julian Smith, who represents Skipton and Ripon, voted against the bill.
Sir Julian issued a statement following today's vote, which said:
Today I voted again against the assisted dying bill. I believe that this bill is deeply flawed and that it prioritises those who would like the option for an assisted death over our collective duty and responsibility to protect those who might feel compelled to choose it.
Many disability and medical experts have rightly and passionately campaigned against the bill. I hope that as it passes to the House of Lords, there will be further scrutiny of the bill and greater protections for the most vulnerable in society.
The private member’s bill was proposed by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who told BBC News she was “over the moon” about today’s result.
The vote is a huge step towards legalising assisted dying, but the bill does not come without constraints.
The bill allows terminally ill adults in England and Wales to end their lives with assistance from a doctor if they are deemed to have the mental capacity to make the choice freely and without pressure.
They must have been registered with a GP for at least 12 months and be expected to die within six months.
People must also make two separate declarations about their wish to die, which must be witnessed and signed.
Two independent doctors must also be satisfied that the person is eligible, with at least seven days between each assessment.
If an adult’s application is approved, a doctor would prepare the substance to end the patient’s life, but it would be taken by the patient.
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