Nick Thomas-Symonds, Torfaen MP, has released a statement with his reasons for voting against the Assisted Dying Bill.
MPs voted yesterday (Friday 20 June 2025) 313 for and 291 against a bill to allow some terminally ill people to get medical help to end their lives. The bill will now go to the House of Lords.
He said: “Since the first vote on this Bill on 29 November last year, constituents have continued to contact me about the assisted dying bill, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. I’m grateful to everyone from across Torfaen who has taken the time to pass on their views, and I have considered them all carefully.
“Understandably, this debate has passionate advocates on both sides.
“The Prime Minister promised a free vote on this issue – and it was absolutely right that it should take place: in a democracy it is important that people are able to make their views known on matters of deep conscience like this. I pay tribute to Kim Leadbeater MP for leading the debates.
‘Personal experience’
“As I said last November: like so many people in Torfaen, I have had personal experience of caring for a close family member who was terminally ill in their final weeks. It was an incredibly powerful experience that I will never forget.
“I cannot deny that I have had that experience in my mind throughout the debates on this Bill. Seeing someone you love go through such a difficult time is heartbreaking and I thank people who have shared their own stories too. Being moved by them is one of the reasons I have sympathy with those who have argued in favour of this Bill.
‘Concerns over safeguards’
“However, I still do not feel able to support the legislation and wanted to set out the reasons. My core concern has been about the adequacy of safeguards that are put in place for any legalisation of assisted dying. I still worry about ill, vulnerable people being and/or feeling pressured into making decisions, or, indeed, putting pressure on themselves as they may feel they are becoming a burden to their families.
“I have supported amendments to the Bill to strengthen safeguards but still do not believe the Bill, in its amended form, has – adequately – addressed this. As a result, I voted against the Bill today [Friday 20 June 2025].”