How Suffolk MPs stand on controversial assisted dying bill

Some senior figures in the county say they will "continue to keep an open mind" on the controversial proposed law which would legalise terminally-ill adults aged over 18, and who are in the final six months of their life, to request help from a doctor to end their life. 

The Private Members' Bill has been proposed by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater MP. 

Waveney Valley MP Adrian Ramsay and South Suffolk's James Cartlidge are among those who look set to vote in favour of the bill. 

Waveney Valley MP Adrian Ramsay (Image: Houses of Parliament) “After much discussion and careful reflection, I am minded to support the Bill," said Mr Ramsay. 

"For those facing the pain and inevitability of an acute and terminal illness, I believe a compassionate choice should be available to avoid a terrible and slow decline, where people wish to choose it."

He added that he would like to be "satisfied" that safeguards are robust enough "to ensure the choice is both voluntary and informed.”

The debate and expected vote on November 29 will be the first on the controversial issue in the Commons in almost a decade. (Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire) Mr Cartlidge is among the Suffolk leaders who have held a public meeting on the matter. 

"I know that views on this are very strong on either side, though with many unsure and undecided. That’s a key reason why I held a public meeting for my constituents in Sudbury last month," he said. 

"I found it particularly moving that people turned up – who themselves had but weeks to live – a very brave undertaking, and one which has genuinely affected how I will be voting. I have taken my time, but following the public meeting and after much reflection, I will be voting in favour.”

James Cartlidge will be voting in favour (Image: Newsquest) Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, Suffolk Coastal MP, revealed in her column for this newspaper earlier this month that she has spoken to constituents on the matter. 

"The question of assisted dying is one that requires not only a thoughtful and respectful debate but also a clear understanding of the broader implications for society," she wrote. 

"I have asked people in my constituency to continue to share their views with me, ahead of the vote on the 29 November."

Two doctors must make an assessment on the individual's request, at least seven days apart, to ensure they meet the criteria. 

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Patrick Spencer said the Bill does not have his support (Image: Houses of Parliament) The bill states the person must be terminally ill, has the capacity to make the decision to end their own life, has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life and made the first declaration voluntarily.

If the doctors independently agree this has been met, an application to the High Court can be made. 

Lowestoft MP Jess Asato has revealed she will be voting against the bill. 

The Labour MP addressed her constituents in a letter, stating: "I am unconvinced that even the best-possible drafted version of the Bill could adequately sift genuine claimants from those being coerced into it. Just one wrong death is too many."

The Bill will be debated on Friday (Image: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)

Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Patrick Spencer will also not be voting in favour of Friday's second reading.

He said: "The issue of assisted dying is one which is both highly emotive and particularly complex.

"I am concerned the bill has not been given nearly enough time for scrutiny in Parliament, nor has there been any wider cross-Government consultation. And I am nervous that the safeguards are not comprehensive enough. For these reasons, it does not have my support." 

Peter Prinsley, Labour MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, previously outlined his support for the Bill. 

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said: "In the last few weeks, I have engaged with a number of people directly on this issue and have heard from hundreds of my constituents with a variety of opinions on this Bill and on the wider debate.

“It is these stories and these interactions which will be at the forefront of my mind as the parliamentary debate approaches, and as I decide how to vote on the next stage of the Bill.”

West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy was also asked for his view on how he may vote.