CHRIS Vince, Member of Parliament for Harlow, has voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at its Third Reading in the House of Commons.

The bill, which allows terminally ill adults the legal right to seek assistance to end their lives under strict safeguards, has been one of the most sensitive and debated pieces of legislation in recent years.

Commenting on the decision, Chris Vince said:

“Since being elected, no issue has prompted more heartfelt correspondence from constituents than assisted dying. I’ve heard from people on all sides of this debate, those who have shared deeply personal stories of love, loss and suffering, and those who have expressed powerful concerns about protecting vulnerable people.

I did not take this decision lightly. This is a moral, social, and historic moment in Parliament. After closely engaging with the debate and carefully examining the amendments made during the Committee stage, I was reassured by the strength of the safeguards in place.

My decision ultimately came down to one core principle: dignity. People living with terminal illnesses have already lost their health, their comfort, and their future. I do not believe we should also deny them the right to choose how and when they die, within a tightly regulated system.”

Chris Vince also paid tribute to constituents who had reached out with differing views:

“To those who opposed the legislation, I want to say thank you. Your concerns were heard and taken seriously. This bill would not have passed in its current form without the powerful case made for strict and enforceable safeguards. I will remain vigilant against any attempts to weaken those protections, and I believe this law must go hand in hand with proper investment in palliative and end-of-life care.”

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons and will now proceed to the House of Lords.

Click report from the BBC.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cg4ry0pge4kt