The MP for Bracknell would like to hear people’s views on whether to give terminally ill people the right to choose to end their life.
A public consultation ran by Peter Swallow MP will take place this Friday (November 22) ahead of the parliamentary vote on November 29.
The bill, introduced by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater, will see politicians decide on the issue for the first time in nine years, after another was rejected in 2015.
The bill would give terminally ill people with six months to live the option to end their lives, with permission from two doctors and a high court judge.
READ MORE: Arborfield: 50 homes approved despite councillor warnings
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given Labour MPs a free vote on the issue, meaning they can vote with their own conscience rather than following his party’s line.
The Labour MP for Bracknell said he is ‘not yet decided’ and is inviting residents to share their perspectives and experiences at a meeting to help inform which way he will vote.
Mr Swallow said the bill ‘touches issues ranging from ethical convictions of healthcare professionals to the dignity of individuals enduring suffering’.
READ MORE: Bracknell: Ex-employee plans to take council to court
Senior Labour ministers including Heath Secretary Wes Streeting and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson have both confirmed they will vote against the bill.
Mr Streeting said he did not think the country’s palliative care system could cope to support assisted dying.
Those looking to attend can email Peter Swallow’s office for more information.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has also been invited to attend.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel