Local MPs divided on assisted dying bill

David Reed, Member of Parliament for Exmouth and Exeter East, voices concerns over safeguards and vulnerable individuals as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill advances for further scrutiny.

David Reed announced his opposition to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill following a significant vote in the House of Commons today.

The Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales, was approved by MPs with a vote of 330 to 275, allowing it to move forward for further parliamentary scrutiny.

Reed, who had been outspoken in his concerns ahead of the vote, expressed his deep reservations about the Bill's potential risks. While he acknowledged the suffering faced by those with terminal illnesses, he argued that the Bill lacked sufficient safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from coercion, and that it could create a "false choice" for those who might feel pressured into choosing assisted dying rather than receiving adequate palliative care.

In a statement, Reed reiterated his position, stressing that the proposed safeguards in the Bill are not robust enough to prevent coercion, particularly for individuals who may already feel marginalized or vulnerable due to their illness, age, or financial circumstances. He also raised concerns about the ability of the overstretched judicial system to handle these cases properly, pointing to the limited number of judges available in the Family Division of the High Court. 

Reed’s opposition is rooted in his belief that legalising assisted dying without addressing the serious gaps in palliative care would be irresponsible. "Until we can provide everyone with access to compassionate end-of-life care, assisted dying risks becoming the easier alternative," he said.

While Reed opposed the Bill, other MPs have expressed support for the proposed legislation. Steve Race, MP for Exeter, made an impassioned case for change, highlighting the need for individuals to have the right to make decisions about their own lives, particularly when it comes to their dignity at the end of life. 

In his speech, Race argued that current laws leave some people with no choice but to travel abroad to access assisted dying services, such as those offered by Dignitas in Switzerland. Race pointed out that this process is not only costly - often running up to £15,000 - but also forces people to endure a prolonged and often emotionally distressing process in order to exercise their right to die on their own terms.

“This issue is deeply personal, and it is clear that there are many who are already making these decisions alone, sometimes in very painful and undignified circumstances,” Race said. “I believe we need a law that allows individuals to make these choices here in the UK, under proper medical and legal safeguards, to avoid the trauma of dying abroad or facing a tragic suicide.”

Race also underscored his support for the hospice movement and palliative care, stating that those who choose assisted dying should still have access to all other forms of care, and that the legalisation of assisted dying should not undermine the importance of high-quality end-of-life care.

The vote today marks a key moment in the legislative process for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, though it does not make the Bill law just yet.

With the vote of 330 in favour and 275 against, MPs have given the Bill the go-ahead for further scrutiny. This means the Bill will now move to the next stages of debate, where it will be examined in greater detail by parliamentary committees and undergo further amendments before potentially being voted on again.

Although the outcome represents a significant step forward for supporters of assisted dying, Reed’s vote highlights the ongoing division within Parliament and the public. Many MPs continue to raise questions about safeguards, the potential for coercion, and the state of palliative care provision, all of which remain key issues as the Bill progresses through Parliament.

As the Bill moves through Parliament, its future remains uncertain. But today’s vote signals a clear shift towards further debate and scrutiny, with the potential to shape the future of end-of-life care in the UK.