West Norfolk MPs Terry Jermy and James Wild discuss vote on legalising assisted dying
A Labour MP in West Norfolk looks set to vote in favour of assisted dying next month - and his Tory counterpart could join him.
Terry Jermy, who represents South West Norfolk, has signalled his intention to back a new parliament bill which would legalise terminally ill adults being helped to end their lives.
He has cited personal experiences which have contributed to his decision, having watched his own father reach a stage where he did “not want to continue living” if his health deteriorated any further.
Meanwhile, North West Norfolk MP James Wild has suggested that he could also back the bill - but only after “careful consideration”.
Both MPs have made clear they want to ensure there are effective safeguards in place around any new law before they vote in favour.
The bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales was formally introduced in the House of Commons earlier this week by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater.
The first debate on the issue will take place on November 29, with MPs being given a free vote - meaning they can decide based on their own conscience.
Mr Jermy said: “I agree with the principle of assisted dying, but I would want to make sure there were sufficient safeguards built in as I am conscious of the risks.
“There’s lots of different approaches in different bills so I want to study the Kim Leadbetter MP private members bill before absolutely committing but it is highly likely I will be voting in support.
“I was contacted by many residents during the campaign about assisted dying and it is something I gave a lot of thought to. I confirmed my ‘in principle’ support during the campaign.
“I wanted to be clear with residents on this issue as I was confident it would come before MPs during the lifeline of this parliament.”
Mr Jermy added: “As residents will be aware, one of my motivations for standing has been my experience of the NHS and welfare system in relation to my own family, in particular my mother and father. My dad had a stroke very young at 55 which significantly altered his life.
“He managed to lead a very fulfilling nine years, but in December 2022 he contracted pneumonia and Covid and as a result needed to be intubated.
“The stress of this led to a further stroke that reduced his capabilities to the point that we knew beyond any doubt he would not want to continue living.
“My dad was always very clear that if he had another stroke or deteriorated any further mentally or physically then he would not want to continue living and we had many conversations about 'do not resuscitate'.
“These experiences confirmed my own views around assisted dying and personal choice and will inform my approach when this legislation is presented before Parliament.”
The exact details of the bill have not yet been published, but its title suggests it would “allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life”.
It is expected to be restricted to mentally competent adults with six months or less to live, although this has not been confirmed.
Mr Wild, the Conservative MP for North West Norfolk, said: "This is an emotive topic as it concerns the distress and suffering of people with terminal illness and the impact on their families.
“While I am open to exploring changes, it's very important to consider whether effective safeguards can be put in place to protect vulnerable people and prevent people from feeling pressured.
“I've heard a range of views from constituents on this debate and this issue is one of individual conscience, rather than a party political matter.
“Therefore, I will very carefully consider legislation and proposals when they are presented and views of constituents. It is essential that Parliament has sufficient time to consider such measures in depth."
