York MP still backs assisted dying bill – despite not voting

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was voted down by a majority of 16, after 286 voted against while 270 voted in favour on Friday (September 11).

Luke Charters said he had a “personal family matter” on Friday so did not vote on the bill.

The Labour MP for York Outer said he paired with an MP who was against the bill and was also not voting due to a “personal family matter”, adding: “In these circumstances, pairing allows both of us to deal with those matters without affecting the outcome of the vote.”

Mr Charters insisted that him not voting on the bill “should not be interpreted as a change in my position”.

“I remain in favour of assisted dying and supportive of the principles underpinning this bill as it progresses,” he said.

“Pairing is a normal parliamentary practice whereby two MPs who would otherwise vote on opposite sides agree that neither will vote, meaning the overall balance of the vote remains unchanged.

“I know some people will disagree with my beliefs, just as others will support it. Votes of conscience are deeply personal matters, and I believe it is important that we are able to disagree respectfully while recognising the sincerity of one another’s views.

“Because I know this issue matters deeply to many people across our constituency, though, I want to make very clear that I intend to continue engaging with residents from all perspectives.”

Keir Mather, MP for Selby (Image: Supplied)

Keir Mather, Labour MP for Selby, voted for the bill on Friday, saying: “On the core principle of this issue, I believe terminally ill adults should have the option to end their life safely and without unbearable suffering.”

Meanwhile, York Central MP Rachael Maskell voted against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

The Labour MP previously said she was concerned that legalising assisted dying “could lead to coercion, rather than protecting people from it”.

Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central (Image: UK Parliament/PA Wire)

“I do not believe it [the bill] will work safely for everyone and that there is a real danger of putting marginalised communities at risk should it go through Parliament,” Ms Maskell said.

“Sadly, we know that people do experience coercion in relationships, and while cases may be few, malign coercion is real.

“Prior to entering Parliament, I worked as a clinician in the NHS and would frequently hear a patient say, ‘I don’t want to be a burden’ and against the cost of social care, their small savings ‘should go to the grandchildren rather than on my care’ or ‘someone else is more deserving’ not least when the NHS is struggling to find beds.

“I am extremely concerned that, when looking at countries with assisted dying, this is verbalised as a ‘duty’ to die.”