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12
Dec
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP to play key role in assisted dying legislation
Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has been appointed as one of 20 MPs to sit on the public bill committee for the Terminally Ill Adults Bill.
The landmark Bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, seeks to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults.
The committee was established following the Bill’s successful second reading in the House of Commons on 29 November, where it passed with a majority of 330 votes to 275.
The committee, which includes 12 Labour MPs, four Conservatives, three Liberal Democrats and one from Plaid Cymru, will examine the Bill as part of its legislative process.
It is hoped the Bill will return to the House of Commons on April 25, when MPs will have another opportunity to debate and vote on any proposed changes.
Mr Gordon said:
It is vital that the Bill undergoes thorough scrutiny to ensure it is as strong, safe, and compassionate as possible.
I have been a vocal supporter of this legislation since Kim Leadbeater introduced it, as I believe it empowers terminally ill people, enduring unbearable suffering with no hope of recovery, to make the decision that is right for them.
This is about dignity and compassion. People with a terminal illness deserve to live and die on their own terms. It is time for the UK to adopt a regulated, compassionate assisted dying law to give them that choice.
Sir Julian Smith, the Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon and Sir Alec Shelbrooke, the Conservative MP for Wetherby and Easingwold, both opposed the Bill.
You can read all three local MPs' views here.
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