MPs have voted to pass a bill at third reading allowing some terminally ill people in England and Wales to get medical help in ending their lives. The bill now goes to the Lords.
Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher, who voted for the bill, said: “I want to thank everyone who took part in the debate. I was heartened that the tone of the House reflected the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue.
I am especially grateful to those on all sides who listened with empathy and engaged thoughtfully – including those who changed their views as a result.
“That feels to me like something we can all be proud of.”
The Bill, which passed its third reading with cross-party support, aims to give
terminally ill patients the option of a safe and compassionate assisted death
alongside access to the full range of existing palliative care services.
Dr Opher served on the Bill Committee, which heard over 90 hours of testimony from experts, campaigners, and people with lived experience.
“It was an honour to sit on the Committee. While MPs held different views, there was consensus that the current law is not good enough, and that we must do better. That is why we accepted 150 amendments to improve safety, oversight, and transparency.”
