Norfolk MP backing assisted dying bill after chat with Dad who suffered stroke
Trevor Jermy suffered from a life-altering stroke in 2013 and died in January 2023
A MP in Norfolk is telling us he's backing the assisted dying bill largely because of a chat he had with his Dad - who suffered from a life-altering stroke in 2013.
Terry Jermy MP, represents South West Norfolk and voted in favour of The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at its second reading.
This bill will now be scrutinised in 'line by line' detail by a committee of 23 MPs.
"I have no doubt that my if my Dad had the option, he would have chosen the assisted dying route"
Terry says what's on the table strikes a good balance: "I was quite concerned about risks and coercion, which is why I took quite a period of time to read the bill and listen to the views of local people, which I had been inundated with, but I was satisfied that there were safeguards in place to protect vulnerable people.
"Unless there is anything monumental that happens, I imagine that it will pass the next vote in Parliament.
"But I am aware that there are people who voted for it, to move it forwards, but have said there's no guarantee that they'll do so again.
"Those who are getting palliative care will continue to given treatment and care, but if they decide to end their life legally in the future, if this bill passes, that's their choice.
"I have no doubt that my if my Dad would have had the option, he would have chosen the assisted dying route.
"I voted for it on the basis of: while I might not personally choose it, I don't want to deny people that right."
How did Norfolk's MPs vote on the 2nd reading of this bill?
Aye:
-James Wild, (North West Norfolk)
-Terry Jermy, (South West Norfolk)
-Steffan Aquarone, (North Norfolk)
-Alice Macdonald (Norwich North)
-Clive Lewis, (Norwich South)
-George Freeman, (Mid Norfolk)
-Rupert Lowe (Great Yarmouth)
-Adrian Ramsay, (Waveney Valley)
Noes:
-Jerome Mayhew, (Broadland and Fakenham)
-Ben Goldsborough, (South Norfolk)
What do those opposed the Bill say?
Those opposed to the legislation argue this bill doesn't have adequate safeguards in place and would put more pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives.