Gareth Davies MP said:
“Next week, on Friday 29th November, MPs will vote on legislation which would permit those with terminal illness to be provided with assistance to end their own lives.
This is an incredibly serious matter, and I am profoundly grateful to all those who have taken the time to write to me to share their views and experiences, whether we agree or disagree.
The Bill provides that an individual’s death must ‘reasonably be expected’ within six months to be eligible, and that their application would be subject to assessment by two qualifying medical practitioners and High Court approval.
I will vote against the passage of this legislation for the fundamental reason that it would devalue life, and in doing so would pose an existential risk to the most vulnerable in our society, while hindering ongoing efforts to both improve palliative care and develop lifesaving medicines.
Alongside these principled objections, I have practical concerns regarding the ability of our healthcare and judicial systems – even in the best of circumstances – to guarantee that no death would result from misdiagnosis, coercion, or any other form of error or injustice.
I would in any case have been extremely hesitant to vote for legislation of such significance when it has been published barely two weeks ahead of voting, will be given very limited parliamentary time for scrutiny, and is unaccompanied by a Government impact assessment.
Matters of life and death must never be taken lightly, and I take this position out of an abundance of concern.”
