This afternoon, MPs have voted to allow the ‘assisted suicide’ Bill to progress to third reading despite extensive concerns about safeguards in the proposals.
330 MPs voted for the Bill with 275 opposed. This does not mean the bill has become law, but it allows it to continue for further parliamentary scrutiny with the backing of the elected chamber.
A rally organised by Christian Concern outside of parliament ahead of the debate was attended by over 300 people.
Responding to the vote, Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said:
“Today is indeed a very Black Friday for the vulnerable in this country, but this is not over. The proposals in this dangerous Bill have been completely exposed. The proposed safeguards are completely meaningless, and more and more MPs are waking up to that reality. This Bill will create more suffering and chaos in the NHS, not less, and if it goes through, the vulnerable will become more vulnerable.
“MPs are voting for the Bill at this stage in the hope that it will be fixed, however, the legislation is framed in a way that means it can’t be changed. It must be stopped at third reading, and we will not give up working to protect life and the most vulnerable in this country from these reckless and rushed proposals.
“A compassionate society finds ways and solutions to care for those who suffer until the very end. It does not find ways to end life by suicide.”