Local MP hails historic day for the right to a dignified death

Tom Gordon MP has welcomed today’s landmark vote in Parliament. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its third reading this afternoon - with 314 MPs voting in favour and 291 MPs voting against.

The bill allows adults diagnosed with terminal illnesses and who have 6 months or less to live the right to choose how they end their life.

Today’s vote comes after months of intense scrutiny of the bill - in which Tom Gordon played a key role as a member of the committee responsible for scrutinising the legislation line by line.

Tom said: “I’m immensely proud of Parliament today, we’ve seen politics at its best. The debate was constructive from both sides and it was moving to hear moving stories from so many of my colleagues.

“For me the bill is about moving away from an unacceptable status quo, and in the direction of compassion. We need to give people the freedom of choice at the end of their life.

“I’d like to thank everyone here across Harrogate and Knaresborough who took the time to reach out to me on the issue. Your stories and views were instrumental in shaping my approach to work scrutinising the legislation on the bill committee.”

ENDS