North East Cambridgeshire MP Steve Barclay explains why he voted against Assisted Dying Bill in letter to constituents

Local MP and former Health Secretary Steve Barclay has written an open letter to his constituents today explaining why he has voted against the Assisted Dying Bill.

The Conservative member for North East Cambridgeshire was one of 275 MPs to vote against the Private Member’s Bill brought before Parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater.

However, it passed the first parliamentary hurdle with 330 MPs voting in favour of it. All MPs from all sides were given a free vote on the bill, which meant they could vote according to their own beliefs or conscience rather than as they would normally along party lines.

In his letter Mr Barclay said: “The principle of giving people more control over their end of life is one I support.

“The current law is also restrictive and creating problems for loving families. But I also believe no one should be coerced by others to end their life prematurely, or feel forced to do so by the lack of care.

“In balancing these principles, I voted against the Assisted Dying Bill before the House of Commons today.

“Specific concerns I hold include the evidence from other countries which have introduced similar legislation, the risk of elderly patients feeling pressure not to be a burden to others, and the likelihood of judicial activism weakening safeguards currently in the Bill.

“There is also more that we can, and should, do through palliative care, which I hope this debate will encourage progress on. In particular we need to do more address the variation in the care available in different areas.

“I have been struck by how colleagues across Parliament, and those in the constituency who have contacted me, have sought to approach this issue in good faith and recognise the range of views that are deeply held.

“This debate has focussed on an area of healthcare that is usually less debated – that of how to have a good death. It is an important debate, and one where I hope there will be much more focus over the course of this Parliament.”