Scarborough and Whitby MP Backs Assisted Dying Bill

Alison Hume, Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby, has today voted in favour for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

MPs have voted in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill following a five-hour long debate in the Commons.

It means the legislation can now be scrutinised by parliamentary committees.

More than 160 MPs asked to speak, giving their reasons for being either for, or against a bill, which would allow those who are terminally ill the right to end their lives.

Speaking after the vote Scarborough and Whitby MP, Alison Hume, said,

“I’ve always been clear in my own mind that assisted dying should not be an alternative to high-quality palliative and end of life care.  However, I know that for many people suffering from a terminal illness, even the best palliative care cannot ease their pain or suffering. Constituents have written to me sharing stories of loved ones who ended their own lives, often in deeply distressing circumstances or by travelling abroad, dying alone to avoid getting their loved ones in trouble.

“I read each and every one of the letters and emails sent to me. Many of these have been very difficult to read, but not as difficult as they were to write for my constituents. In doing so they had to revisit the memories of the intense pain they experienced from the time their loved one died. This has clearly been a deeply emotive issue for many people and I would like to thank everyone who reached out to me.  

“In reaching my decision, I have attended numerous events in Westminster and spoken to many people, both for and against assisted dying.

“I also took into account my own experiences with the deaths of both my parents, three close friends and as the mother of a disabled young adult.

“Finally, I listened carefully to Members of Parliament from all parties during the debate.

“I voted for the Bill because I believe that choice at the end of life for terminally ill, mentally competent adults will bring immense comfort both to dying people and their loved ones.  

“Having read the Bill line by line, I am reassured that it includes the safeguards to prevent abuse. As a member of another current bill committee, I know that there will be several more stages to scrutinise and review the details before the Bill can become law.

“Although my position aligned with a large number of those who wrote to me, I appreciate a considerable number of constituents will feel disappointed and let down. I hope that even though we cannot agree on this, constituents will appreciate that I voted, as I was instructed to do, as a matter of conscience.”

Bridlington and the Wolds MP Charlie Dewhirst was unable to attend today's vote following a family bereavement. In a post on social media  yesterday Mr Dewhirst said:

"Coping with terminal illness is an incredibly challenging and emotional experience for both patients and their families. The volume of correspondence I have received in my post bag shows the strong emotions and diverse opinions surrounding this issue.

Many have shared heart-breaking accounts with me, whether as caregivers to loved ones or as medical professionals grappling with ethical dilemmas. These stories underscore the complexity and importance of this debate.

I am sympathetic to the principle of providing terminally ill individuals with the option to legally end their own lives and recognise the deep personal
impact this choice can have on families. However, my concern lies with the limited time allocated to this issue in Parliament.

A Bill Of such significance, carrying profound ethical and legal implications, warrants more than five hours of debate as part of a Private Member's Bill. The Govemment must allocate sufficient time for a full debate, allowing all perspectives to be heard and enabling thorough consideration of amendments.

The current Parliamentary timetable on such a sensitive and far-reaching decision does not allow the seriousness and care the issue Of assisted dying demands.

Regarding tomorrow's vote, I will be unable to attend due to a family bereavement. However, should the Bill pass, I will be sure to take the time to review the information available in depth to make an informed decision for future votes on the matter."