Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - Return to the House of Commons

As always, I am grateful to constituents and campaign groups from Stockport who have corresponded with me regarding the return of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to the House of Commons. This correspondence has been both in support of and against the Bill.

These messages have almost always included deeply personal, emotional stories, and I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences with me. I fully recognise the depth and strength of feelings on this important issue.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was passed by the House of Commons in June 2025 and then received extensive further scrutiny from the House of Lords. However, the Bill did not complete its scrutiny in the Lords before the prorogation of the 2024-26 session of Parliament in April 2026. After thorough debate and subsequent passage through the House of Commons, I do not support the House of Lords frustrating the expressed will of MPs, who are democratically elected. The role of the unelected second chamber is to revise legislation, not to override the view of those directly elected by the British people. This issue matters deeply to many people, and they deserve a resolution.

As I did the first time the House considered this matter, today I voted to support the Bill’s progression. My support for this legislation is grounded in a belief in personal freedom, dignity, and compassion. I firmly believe that individuals facing terminal illness should have the right to make deeply personal decisions about how they wish to spend their final days and the autonomy to choose how they will die.

Today's vote was a free vote; as the former Prime Minister did, the current Prime Minister allowed MPs to vote on this matter according to their own conscience.

Choice, agency and control are crucial to dignity at the end of life. I believe that those who are experiencing the pain, suffering and emotional distress of a terminal illness should have the freedom to decide how and when their life comes to an end, rather than having that choice denied to them.

While I fully respect the right of people to oppose assisted dying based on a number of wide ranging reasons, those beliefs should not restrict the freedoms of others. In a diverse and secular society, individuals should be free to make personal decisions based on their own conscience, beliefs and circumstances.

I understand that not everyone will agree with my position and some will be greatly disappointed. Please be assured I wholeheartedly respect the views on both sides of this highly sensitive issue. Regardless of where each of us stands on the legislation, I believe we all share a common view: that every person deserves dignity at the end of their life, and reassurance that they will receive the best possible care, compassion and support.

The House of Commons has voted against the Bill at second reading, meaning it will not progress any further.