This is a hugely emotive moral and ethical subject that significantly impacts people’s lives and transcends political divides. The Prime Minster has therefore rightly said that any changes to this area of law will not be made through a Government Bill but will require a Private Members Bill and each Member will be free to vote according to their own conscience and view.

Since the Bill was introduced, I have spoken to many constituents on the matter and have carefully considered all the correspondence I have received so far. There are many strong opinions on both sides of the debate with many close personal experiences. I also met with City Hospice to discuss how this will impact them as providers and palliative care.

In November 2024, I voted in favour of the Bill passing onto its next stages. The Bill began its Committee Stage on 21 January 2025 which will continue until Wednesday 19 March 2025. Committee Stage of this Bill has been extremely thorough undergoing 23 sessions so far with four still to go. The Committee is made up of 23 MPs from both sides of the debate and from multiple political parties. The Committee completed six evidence sessions with 50 expert witnesses from both side of the debate. They then proceeded to scrutinise the Bill line by line and will suggest amendments before it passes onto the next stage.

I have personal experience with people close to me being terminally ill, and I believe the one thing that unites both sides of this debate is dignity in dying. No one should have to have to experience death alone, and no one should be in pain or suffer.

If the law were to change, I believe that assisted dying should not become an alternative to high-quality palliative and end of life care. While laws over assisted dying are reserved and made at a UK wide level, end-of-life care is devolved to Wales. I know the importance of access to good palliative care services and the difference it can make to the quality of life of people facing a life-limiting illness, and to those closest to them in having the space to process and grieve. I therefore welcome that the Welsh Labour Government spends over £10.5 million annually in this area and that end-of-life care remains a key Welsh government commitment.

On Friday 14 March 2025, I held a round table for constituents on Cardiff North to discuss their views on the Terminally Ill (End of Life) Bill. It was a privilege to hear personal stories, experiences and views on both sides of the debate. I believe this listening exercise was imperative in ensuring I take into consideration the wide range of opinions on this matter as the Bill makes its way through Parliament.

Anna McMorrin
Member of Parliament for Cardiff North | Government Whip
Aelod Seneddol Gogledd Caerdydd | Chwip Llywodraeth