Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher has described the defeat of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill as a “painful blow” to the campaign for a dignified death.
The Bill was voted down in the House of Commons today, after MPs had previously backed the legislation twice during the last Parliament.
Dr Opher said he was “disappointed” by the result and argued that terminally ill people had been denied the right to choose how they die.
In a statement following the vote, the Stroud MP said: “The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has just been voted down in the House of Commons.
“In the last Parliament, MPs backed this legislation twice, only for its progress to be blocked by a handful of unelected Lords.
“Today, we had the opportunity to put that right. To do so would have reflected the beliefs of the overwhelming majority of people in the country. To say that I am disappointed is an understatement.
“Terminally ill people have been denied the right to choose how they die.
“This campaign for a dignified death has been dealt a painful blow. But the case for choice at the end of life has not gone away and neither will those of us who believe in it. I look forward to continuing this important campaign.”
The proposed legislation had sought to introduce a legal framework for assisted dying for terminally ill adults, subject to safeguards.
Dr Opher has previously spoken publicly about the issue and has continued to support the principle of greater choice for people approaching the end of their lives.
The defeat means the campaign for assisted dying now faces another setback, although Dr Opher has made clear that he intends to continue campaigning for a change in the law.
