Concerns over significant risks led Banbury’s MP to vote against Assisted Dying bill
20/06/2025
Sean Woodcock thanked everyone who contacted him on the issue
The third reading of the proposed legislation to allow Assisted Dying passed in parliament this afternoon. 313 MPs voted in favour and 291 against.
Banbury’s MP Sean Woodcock was one of those who voted against the bill, despite being in favour of the concept of allowing assisted deaths. Mr Woodcock said he believed there remained “significant risks to vulnerable people” with the Bill in its current form.
He also noted the concerns raised by the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Royal College of Pathologists, eating disorder charities and disability organisations, amongst others.
Mr Woodcock said: “When I entered parliament, I was always in favour of changing the law to allow for Assisted Dying.
“Kim Leadbeater, the Bill Sponsor, is absolutely right that the status quo is unacceptable. That people do not have enough access to decent palliative care is a given and is in dire need of change. It is also the case that there are people out there who are scared of the threat of prosecution for what are clearly acts of love and mercy.
“I pay tribute to my colleague Kim Leadbeater for bringing forward a Bill aiming to change this. I am clear that this change will be welcomed by people who will genuinely benefit from it coming to being.
“I remain in favour of the principle of Assisted Dying.
“But I am a legislator, not a campaigner or commentator.
“My job is to help ensure that we pass good law, not just vote on a principle however sympathetic I am to it.
“It was a privilege to be asked by Kim to serve on the Bill Committee. For me, throughout, the priority has been about making the law as drafted, workable, effective, and safe.
“Unfortunately, I was unconvinced on the final part of that.
“I could not ignore the concerns of the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Royal College of Pathologists, eating disorder charities, disability organisations who have all stated that while they do not oppose the principle of Assisted Dying they cannot support this Bill as drafted.
“The conversations I have had with those involved in the provision of palliative care and with those who have lost loved ones on both sides of this debate. These have also played a part in my decision.
“There remain significant risks to vulnerable people with the Bill as drafted.
“However, I respect the will of the House of Commons which has passed the Bill.
“Now I am hopeful that the House of Lords can take the time to scrutinise the Bill further and ensure it is safe.
“I am grateful to every single constituent who contacted me on this important issue.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
