Why would anyone vote to prolong the suffering of others? That is the question that bears heavily on me and my colleagues as we prepare to vote on the private members bill to legalise assisted suicide today. It is with a heavy heart as a progressive that I will be voting against the bill.
Reducing suffering is part of the reason people take part in public life. This is especially the case, if you believe as I do, in enabling people to have more control and autonomy over their lives.
This is not just about those with loving families and friends – we also have to protect the vulnerable from bad actors
Earlier this month, I held a ‘listening event’ about assisted dying in my constituency of East Thanet. It was an emotional experience. Many people are clearly traumatised by having to watch their loved ones suffer.
I was deeply moved by the personal and emotional stories of love and loss people shared with me.
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