MP seeking views on possible assisted dying changes

Mr Swallow became Bracknell's MP following May's general election

A Berkshire MP wants to hear people’s views on whether to give terminally ill people the right to choose to end their life, ahead of a vote in Parliament next month.

The bill, introduced by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater, will see politicians decide on the issue for the first time for nine years, after another was rejected in 2015.

Peter Swallow, Labour MP for Bracknell, said he is “not yet decided” and wants to hear residents’ perspectives and experiences at a meeting to help inform which way he will vote.

The bill will be debated and voted on for the first time on 29 November.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has given Labour MPs a free vote, meaning they can use their own conscience rather than following his party’s line.

Assisted suicide – which means intentionally helping another person to end their life – is currently punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

Mr Swallow, who was elected in July, said: “I am holding the meeting to provide an opportunity to residents of Bracknell to share their experiences and views on this complex ethical issue.

“It touches issues ranging from the ethical convictions of healthcare professionals to the dignity of individuals enduring suffering.”

Health secretary Wes Streeting said last week said that he will vote against the bill.

Mr Streeting warned Labour MPs that he does not think that the country’s palliative care system is good enough to support assisted dying.

Campaigners Dignity in Dying said that assisted dying allows a person with a terminal condition the choice to control their death if they decide their suffering is unbearable.

But advocates against assisted dying group Care Not Killing said that the focus should be on promoting better palliative care, and argue that the disabled, elderly, sick or depressed could be at risk if the law changes.

The British Medical Association and Royal College of Nursing have neutral positions on assisted dying.

Mr Swallow’s meeting with residents will take place on 22 November. For more information email Mr Swallow's office.