On Friday the 11th of September, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill returned to parliament.

I voted in favour and I am incredibly disappointed that it failed to pass to the next stage at second reading. Members of Parliament voted by a majority of 16 votes, 286 to 270, against the Bill. 

I am saddened today not only for those impacted but for the campaigners who have worked  hard for many years.

I understand this is a deeply emotive and complex issue, and I know that my constituents will have a range of reactions to this outcome. 

However, I had spent a great deal of time listening to constituents across Cardiff North, having conversations, reading emails and letters and hosting roundtables and for that, I am grateful. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their views and, in many cases, deeply personal experiences with me, including from those who shared powerful and emotional stories in the chamber today.

In its current form the Bill had been amended to address many of the concerns raised during more than 100 hours of scrutiny in the last Parliament and I support it because I strongly believe that this choice comes down to compassion, dignity and personal autonomy.

I believe people who are facing the end of their lives deserve to have their wishes heard and respected, and their loved ones deserve care and support through what can only be described as incredibly difficult times.

At the same time, I feel very strongly that high-quality palliative care and social care is a must more than ever before. I understand how important good palliative care is, not only for someone who is dying, but for the people who love and care for them.

In Cardiff North we are very lucky to have City Hospice who do superb work in supporting individuals and their families with a terminal diagnosis and I will continue my relationship with them, especially after this decision. 

Assisted Dying will come in this country, as it is already doing all across the world, but not soon enough.