BRIDGWATER’S Conservative MP, Sir Ashley Fox, has revealed that he will vote in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill on November 29, 2024. 

He is only one of a handful of MPs to so far reveal their voting intention ahead of the vote this month.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill proposes to allow adults with a terminal illness - who are expected to die within six months - the eligibility for an assisted death.

The Bill stipulates that the person must have the mental capacity to make a choice about the end of their life, and must express a “clear, settled and informed” wish, free from coercion or pressure.

The Bill excludes disability and mental illness as eligibility criteria. If the Bill is passed, only permanent residents of England and Wales registered with a GP for at least 12 months will be eligible.

The life-ending medication must be administered by the patient, and it cannot be administered by a health professional or anyone else.

Bridgwater’s MP said: “Having carefully reviewed the Bill, I have decided that I will vote in favour of its Second Reading on November 29, 2024.”

“This vote approves the principle, but not the detail of the Bill. If approved, the Bill then goes to committee to consider what, if any, amendments are required.”

Mr Fox has also expressed his gratitude to the “many constituents” who have shared their views with him on the subject.

The Second Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will take place in Parliament on Friday, November 29, 2024. It is a free vote, meaning MPs’ parties are not telling them how to cast their vote.

A similar Bill was defeated in its Second Reading in 2015, with just 28 Conservative MPs voting in support. 330 MPs voted against the Bill.

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