THE Labour MP for Clwyd North, Gill German, has explained why she voted in support of a bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales yesterday (November 29).

MPs voted 330 in favour, to 275 against, during the second reading of the bill in Parliament yesterday – this does not mean the bill has become law, but it allows it to continue for further parliamentary scrutiny.

Labour’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) bill would make assisted dying legal for terminally ill adults who are expected to die within six months and have the mental capacity to make a choice about how they end their life.

The bill also requires that two independent doctors and a High Court judge are satisfied that the individual making the request is older than 18, terminally ill with six months or less to live, and fully mentally competent.

Voting took place at about 2.30pm yesterday following roughly five hours’ debate in Parliament.

Ms German said she spent “many weeks” reading and hearing the views of her constituents, in what she described as an “exceptionally moving time”.

She said she also met with organisations on both sides of the debate, as well as those involved in palliative care, to learn more about the matter.

“Despite this being a very difficult subject, I believe that it is not one that elected members of parliament should shy away from engaging away,” Ms German said.

“I have been convinced that the bill is sufficiently tight to provide appropriate safeguards to both give choice and protection to adults who are terminally ill and near the end of life.

“Improvements to palliative care are something I will always support.

“However, I have been convinced that good palliative care and assisted dying are not mutually exclusive, and that we must continue to talk openly about this subject going forward.

“I have also been convinced that even the best palliative care cannot ease the great suffering and anguish experienced by many people and their families.

“It is for this reason that I believe that the status quo cannot continue.”

Ms German acknowledged that some of her constituents will not agree with her decision, and said she respects their position.

Her fellow Labour MPs on the North Wales coast, Becky Gittins (Clwyd East) and Claire Hughes (Bangor Aberconwy) also voted in support of the bill yesterday.

“I have listened carefully to your concerns and will be mindful of them during the next stages of the bill,” Ms German said.

“My vote today is one for this bill to progress further, and I will continue to give it the utmost consideration as it moves through Parliament.”