MP hosts debate on assisted dying bill in Lowestoft

Jess Asato MP, the MP for Lowestoft, hosted a public meeting at the Players’ Theatre to discuss the Bill, bringing together local constituents to share their stories, thoughts and feelings on it. 

The Private Members Bill, introduced by Kim Leadbeater MP, the MP for Spen Valley, will have its Second Reading on Friday 29 November.

Jess organised the public meeting as part of her decision-making process in the run up to the Second Reading and her commitment to listening to the community on issues of conscience.

She said: “This Bill has sparked considerable debate across the country, and I want to ensure that my constituents have the opportunity to voice their views – and be heard. This is a deeply personal and ethical matter, and I am committed to hearing from the people of Lowestoft, Beccles, and the villages as we consider the impact of potential legislative changes."

From left: Rev Dimitri Theulings, Mark Jarman-Howe, Jess Asato, Liz Nice, Tom Fenning and Janette Fish (Image: Supplied) The event was moderated by Liz Nice, the Editor of the East Anglian Daily Times.

Four speakers from across the debate gave presentations on their postions. They were: Tom Fenning, Pastor of Beccles Baptist Church,  Dr Janette Fish, Senior Lecturer at the University of Suffolk and an accredited counsellor specialising in bereavement care, Reverend Dimitri Theulings, Rector of Beccles Parish and Mark Jarman-Howe, Chief Executive of St Helena Hospice and former board member of the organisation ‘Dignity in Dying’.

There then followed an audience Q&A session.

Jess said she was deeply moved by the emotive stories shared by constituents throughout the meeting.

“There are a lot of people who have experienced family members in pain at the end of their lives on both sides of the argument and it's a really difficult discussion to have. Talking about death is tough, but I am convinced that we all share the desire to lessen suffering for those at the end of life,” she said.

“What is important for me to remember is that not everyone is able to come to a public meeting like this or to write to me on an issue. There are vulnerable people, often hidden, who I also need to factor into my thinking and who I need to see protected by any Bill I vote for.”

Though Jess has yet to come to a decision on how she will vote on 29 November, she is nevertheless convinced that the Government needs to take proactive steps to improve the quality of palliative care available across the country.

“Whatever happens with this Bill, what is clear is that we have to invest in palliative care," she said. "The fact that so many of our hospices rely on jumble sales and bake sales is absurd – it’s awful. Palliative care should be the same as any other part of the NHS. You should be allowed it, and you should be given the very best care. If anything, I hope the debate over this Bill puts a spotlight on getting palliative care right in our country.”

Jess intends to come to a decision on how she will vote soon, and will update constituents when she does so.

“In the spirit of democracy, I remain committed to listening to the views of my constituents across Lowestoft, Beccles, and the villages. I want to profoundly thank those who attended the public meeting, as well as constituents who have written to me about this Bill."

EADT editor, Liz, said: "I was honoured to chair such a thought-provoking meeting. We heard voices from many sides of the debate and I thought how wonderful it was to see people disagreeing in such a respectful and open way."