Supporters and opponents held demonstrations outside the UK Parliament as British lawmakers debated a critical bill that could legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Stirling's MP reveals reasons for his vote in Assisted Dying Bill debate

by · Daily Record

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Stirling’s MP has revealed the reasons behind his vote in today’s debate on assisted dying.

Chris Kane, the MP for Stirling and Strathallan, was among the majority of MPs who supported a Bill that would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with a life expectancy of less than six months to end their lives.

MPs voted 330 to 275 - a majority of 55 - to approve Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at the second reading.

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur is heading up a similar bill in the Scottish Parliament.

In a message to his constituents following the vote, Mr Kane said: “Today in Parliament, MPs debated and voted on this Private Members Bill. The vote was in favour of the bill, which will now proceed to the next step in the legislative process.

“I chose to vote in support of the bill.

“The arguments both for and against were powerful, and I am aware there is a visceral aspect to the position held by many people.

“Having listened carefully to all constituents, experts and organisations, and having reflected on this matter carefully, I kept returning to one point - what would I want if I were approaching the end of my life under circumstances where I was facing a difficult death?

“I would hope never to be in a position to have to make use of the provisions outlined in the Bill, but, if I am being completely honest, I can imagine circumstances where I may want that choice. Whilst I realise many constituents are in support of my position, I am acutely aware many are not.

Stirling and Strathallan MP Chris Kane (Labour) (Image: Whyler Photos)

“I will continue to take an active role in scrutiny and consideration of the bill as it moves forward, as I am acutely aware of the concerns raised with me regarding safeguards, which I consider a critical issue.

“I want to thank everyone for taking time to write to me and for the respectful way the debate has been conducted, and for sharing your experiences and insight.”

The Humanist Society Scotland’s CEO Fraser Sutherland said: “This is a victory for compassion and rationality. Kim Leadbeater’s bill is very much along the lines of the moderate, carefully safeguarded model of assisted dying we are proposing for Scotland.

“This vote sets a precedent for Scottish lawmakers to follow. Indeed, the pendulum is now swinging decisively around the world in favour of assisted dying.

“The fearmongering ‘slippery slope’ arguments offered by opponents are being carefully and methodically debunked, and links between the anti-assisted dying movement and the Christian religious right are increasingly being exposed.

“Let’s seize the mantle, and not miss the chance to offer choice and compassion at the end of life for people in Scotland.”

However, reacting to the vote, Bishop John Keenan, the Bishop of Paisley and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said: “This is a sad day for the sick, the vulnerable and the disabled in society.

“Today’s vote strikes a blow against the foundational principle of medicine “do no harm”.

“Since parliamentarians have voted to create a category of people that the state will help to commit suicide, doctors will now be invited to help their patients to kill themselves.

“As we have seen across the world, once enacted these laws are rapidly and dangerously expanded.”

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