After careful consideration, today I voted in favour of the second reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

I have written to the Bill’s sponsor, Kim Leadbeater MP, to call for a strengthening of safeguards, as the Bill will now be scrutinised by a committee of MPs.

I know that people have strong views on all sides of this debate, and I am grateful that our communities here in Plymouth have given due respect to differing opinions. This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as a Member of Parliament, and I would like to thank the hundreds of Plymouth residents who have shared their views with me.