York MPs Rachael Maskell and Luke Charters on assisted dying

Labour MP for York Outer, Luke Charters, said that, while he will reserve his final judgment until the complete details are published, he's inclined to support the bill in its current form.

Meanwhile Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, has not said outright how she will vote, but has called on the deputy prime minister to establish a commission on palliative and end of life care. She said that despite the fact that 'some MPs may have lost confidence in aspects of end of life provision, this should be no reason to vote for assisted dying'.

MPs will debate Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday, November 29 and an initial vote is expected that day.

Ms Maskell said: “A commission will give MPs the opportunity to see what services could be available to give their constituents the most dignified death, how family and carers can be better supported and how medical practices can be further enhanced, integrated and timely to meet the needs of the patient.

“With the right palliative and end of life care, patients can have a dignified and peaceful death, while the commission can look at how the very small proportion that have challenging presentations of their illness are best supported.

"In the light that so many people have witnessed loved ones dying through Covid19 and the current challenges within the NHS and social care, now under extreme duress, alongside palliative services poorly funded and hard to access for others, it is not surprising that some MPs may have lost confidence in aspects of end of life provision, however this should be no reason to vote for assisted dying.”

Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central (Image: Supplied) Meanwhile Mr Charters said: "Many of my constituents have contacted me about assisted dying. This is a deeply personal and complex topic, and I fully respect that people hold strong, often diverse views on the matter."

The Government has confirmed that any changes to the law regarding assisted dying must come through a Private Members' Bill (PMB)—a proposal introduced by a backbench MP.

Kim Leadbeater representing Spen Valley, recently topped the PMB ballot and has formally introduced the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. The bill will have its second reading on November 29, when MPs will vote.

This will be a free vote, meaning MPs will vote according to their own conscience rather than party lines. The Prime Minister has committed to honouring Parliament’s decision, whatever the outcome.

Mr Charters said: "At this point, the full text of the bill has not been published, but I want to be clear: I broadly support reform in this area. My views on this subject are long-standing and have not changed since being elected as Member of Parliament for York Outer.

"First and foremost, I believe that any change in the law must not undermine the importance of high-quality palliative care. I know this first hand as like many, York hospices and palliative care nurses have cared for my own family at the end of their lives.

"Every individual deserves dignity and compassion in their final days, with the assurance that they will receive the best possible care and support. Assisted dying, in my view, should not replace this, but rather provide an option for those who face unbearable suffering with no prospect of recovery.

"Of course, any legal reform must come with stringent safeguards, both medical and legal, to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that any decision to end life is made freely and safely. I will review the specifics of these safeguards when the full bill is presented.

"While I reserve final judgment until the complete details are published, I want to be transparent with you: I am inclined to support the bill in its current form.

"I understand that many people feel strongly about this, and I respect that. Whether you agree with my position or not, I hope you can appreciate the careful thought I’ve put into this decision, and I welcome continued debate on this important issue."

York Outer MP Luke Charters