By Andrew George MP

MPs are regularly required to make very difficult decisions on matters where public opinion is often sharply divided; perpetually running the risk of permanently alienating some.

Andrew George MP

Today, we’re required to decide whether we support the introduction of a new law which would permit someone who is terminally ill — within six months of the end of their life — to choose how and when they die. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill (commonly known as the ‘Assisted Dying Bill’) raises literally grave, complex, and sensitive issues.

Prior to its first stage consideration (known in Parliament as ‘second reading’), I’ve been holding and attending meetings with proponents, opponents, medical, and legal experts, consulting and reading widely and studying the detail of what is a carefully constructed Bill. 

I have, in principle, been supportive of legislation which would permit terminally ill people (who are competent to do so) to have the power to themselves decide when and how they die, at the very end of life, and in a manner which protects them from avoidable suffering and indignity. Of course, as well as having the freedom to make such a choice, our NHS must equally ensure people are offered, and have full access to, the best palliative treatment and end-of-life care. 

I’ll finally decide once I have completed my study, consultation, and review, especially in respect of the robustness of the law and the clinical judgements required to underpin its operation. Opponents contend such a law would place unacceptable pressure on vulnerable patients, or patients during a period of vulnerability. I’m not convinced this would be the case, but will follow the debate and keep an open mind. 

The vote tomorrow doesn’t bring the Bill into law. It just permits it to proceed to detailed scrutiny at committee and report stages. This could prove to be a prolonged process.

As a member of the Commons Health Select Committee, I will maintain a close watching brief on the bill. Once all stages are complete, there will be a final vote (on the third reading). It is not unusual for some MPs who vote to permit a Bill to proceed to committee stage, to vote against at third reading, after having the full opportunity to reflect on all matters. MPs often support bills at second reading, even if they have reservations about specific details, and which they feel can be ironed out during the remaining stages of the Bill. I suspect third reading will be late spring next year. 

I also want to ensure individual health and care workers are able to maintain their right to choose not to take part in assisted dying procedures if they felt it was at odds with their own personal ethical standpoint.

I am grateful to the hundreds of people who have contacted or spoken to me on this matter. I will continue to consider the matter with care before the vote tomorrow.