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Hundreds of constituents in Wakefield and Rothwell have written to me over the past few months about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill which is being debated in Parliament today.
I have been profoundly moved by everyone that has taken the time to share their deeply personal accounts on both sides of this very sensitive debate.
I have taken my time to carefully listen and consider all the voices and viewpoints when deciding how to cast my vote today.
This is a deeply emotive debate, which has triggered highly personal and traumatic memories for those who have experienced a loved one with a terminal illness, and incited deep anxiety by some of my constituents with disabilities and those with long-term health conditions.
Today’s vote is what is known as a free or un-whipped vote, with MPs free to vote with their conscience without being whipped by their respective party.
Upon deep reflection, I have decided to support the Bill at Second Reading today (Friday 29 November).
My conclusion is that a vote against this Bill today would be to silence this important debate prematurely.
Like many of my constituents I still have some concerns about this Bill in its current form. That is why I believe we need more time to properly and methodically scrutinise the Bill, with the potential to amend and strengthen it in later stages of the parliamentary process.
My decision to support this Bill today does not necessarily mean I will go on to support it in any final vote.
What I can commit to is to continue to listen, to engage and respectfully debate this topic at every future stage of the process.
I encourage my constituents in Wakefield and Rothwell to continue to share your thoughts and experiences with me should the Bill progress to the next stage today.