Today has been another hugely emotive day. This is a moral and ethical subject that significantly impacts people’s lives and transcends political divides. The Prime Minster has therefore rightly said that any changes to this area of law will not be made through a Government Bill but require a Private Members Bill and each Member will be free to vote according to their own conscience and view.

I voted for what I believe will strengthen the bill & its safeguards. Scrutiny will continue at the next sitting Friday which is 13th June.

Since the Bill was introduced, I have spoken to many constituents on the matter. In March I hosted a round table in Cardiff North made up of constituents with views on both sides of the debate. I listened very carefully to all views and experience and fully appreciated the honesty, integrity and openness with which constituents spoke. It was a privilege to hear personal stories, experiences and views and I want to thank all those that took part. This listening exercise helped me take into consideration the wide range of opinions on this matter as the Bill makes its way through Parliament.

I have also carefully considered all the correspondence I have received so far. I know there are deeply held feelings, opinions and beliefs on this issue and that it isn’t always a matter of being for or against. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to write to me.

I have also visited and met with City Hospice to discuss how this could impact palliative care and the services they offer.

I voted in favour of the Bill at second reading so that it would pass onto its next stages to be scrutinised in committee. The bill has since had 29 committee sittings between 21st January 2025 and 25th March 2025, with the committee made up of 23 MPs from both sides of the debate.

If the law were to change, I believe that assisted dying should not become an alternative to high-quality palliative and end of life care. While laws over assisted dying are reserved and made at a UK wide level, end-of-life care is devolved to Wales. I know the importance of access to good palliative care services and the difference it can make to the quality of life of people facing a life-limiting illness, and to those closest to them in having the space to process and grieve. I therefore welcome that the Welsh Labour Government spends over £10.5 million annually in this area and that end-of-life care remains a key Welsh government commitment.

As I know others will have, I have had personal experience of people close to me who were terminally ill. The one thing that unites this debate is dignity in dying. No one should have to have to experience death alone, and no one should be in pain or suffer. I am also under no illusion that this is a piece of legislation that can have far reaching consequences for decades to come.

I will continue to consider all aspects of the debate as it continues its stages.

Please feel free to reach out if you would like a further conversation on this or to meet me to discuss it.

Anna McMorrin
Member of Parliament for Cardiff North | Government Whip
Aelod Seneddol Gogledd Caerdydd | Chwip Llywodraeth