Local MP votes against assisted dying bill

Westbury MP Andrew Murrison has voted against legalising assisted dying at the third reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in Parliament, describing the bill as “flawed”. 

MPs voted on 20th June at the third reading, following months of debate over whether to allow terminally ill adults — subject to safeguards and protections — to request and receive assistance to end their own life. 

Overall, the bill was backed by 314 votes to 291 and will now go to the House of Lords for detailed scrutiny and potential amendments. 

Dr Murrison said, “I oppose the Assisted Dying Bill. As the Bill has gone through its stages more and more medical professionals and disability groups have had misgivings. I hope the Lords improve it but it’s a technically poor bill that I fear we will live to regret and will over time disadvantage the vulnerable and frail.”

Meanwhile, campaigners have heralded the passing of the bill as a ‘landmark moment’ in British history. 

Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, said, “MPs have listened to dying people, to bereaved families and to the public, and have voted decisively for the reform that our country needs and deserves.”