Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about the upcoming vote on assisted dying. This is a deeply complex and personal issue, and I respect that there are strongly held beliefs on all sides of the debate.

I believe that everyone should have the right to make their own choice about how to end their life. If appropriate safeguards are in place, I support a change in the law to enable terminally ill adults to receive medically supervised assistance, at their request, to end their own lives. However, I also strongly believe that assisted dying should never replace high-quality palliative and end-of-life care. Every individual nearing the end of their life deserves dignity and compassion, with the reassurance that they will receive the very best possible care.

While improvements in palliative care are essential, even the best care cannot alleviate all suffering. For some people, an assisted death can provide an option to avoid prolonged pain and indignity. Today, those seeking an assisted death often face the difficult choice of travelling abroad, away from loved ones and at considerable expense—an option that is unfairly limited to those who can afford it. I believe that this situation is unjust and that we need a compassionate, legal alternative here in the UK.

As this is an issue of conscience, I believe it’s right that Parliament has a free vote on this matter, allowing each Member of Parliament to vote according to their beliefs. I intend to support the Private Members’ Bill, which would legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults with strong safeguards in place.

Thank you once again to everyone who shared their views with me on this important issue. Your input is invaluable as we address this sensitive topic in Parliament.