29 Nov 2024
Harpenden MP Victoria Collins has shared her thoughts on today’s controversial vote for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill .
Victoria is one of 330 out of 650 MPs elected for the first time at the General Election, all of whom faced having to vote on a new Private Member’s Bill giving some terminally ill adults the right to end their lives prematurely.
The Liberal Democrat told the St Albans Times: “Today when I walked into Parliament I felt the weight of the day. The atmosphere was both welcoming and sombre as everyone knew the importance of today’s debate. That debate was on the Private Members’ Bill on Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
“Listening to the debate I was very pleased that it was measured and heartfelt on all sides of the house which I highly commended. It was not an easy discussion at all and many stories were hard to hear – like hundreds that have been sent to me by residents. I have been moved by many constituents, often telling me they’ve written to their MP for the first time, and sharing very intimate stories about their experiences.
“Over the last few weeks, I’ve attended many briefings and read about the issue and the bill. This was the second reading of the bill which is far from the final bill and I believe it is important to have the opportunity to scrutinise and discuss the full details of this important issue. Today, I joined a majority of Members of Parliament voted in favour of the Bill to move it to the committee stage.
“So many people have written to me about the suffering of their family, friends and their own suffering who are looking for a dignity in choice at their end of life. This gives us a chance to further discuss this issue, scrutinise the bill and hear from all sides of the argument.”
Neighbouring Lib Dem, St Albans MP Daisy Cooper, also voted in favour of the bill.
She posted on social media platform X before the vote: “Today is just the initial vote on the Terminal Illness End of Life Bill – not necessarily the final one.
“I’ll be voting for it today so it can move forward for extra debate, scrutiny and hopefully strengthening.”
