Today, I voted in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill. Although I am disappointed that it did not secure the support needed to pass, I respect the decision reached by the House of Commons.

This Bill returned to the Commons as a Private Member's Bill because, despite elected MPs previously voting in favour, the earlier Bill was talked out in the House of Lords and prevented from progressing.

I have found myself on the losing side of many political votes and decisions. That is part of democracy. However strongly we may feel about an issue, we must respect the outcome of a democratic vote.

I am very grateful to the many constituents who have written to me. People have shared a wide range of views and, in many cases, deeply personal experiences. I have listened carefully to the arguments on all sides and recognise that people of good faith have reached different conclusions.

Ultimately, and on balance, I believe eligible terminally ill adults should have the right to make this choice for themselves, with clear and robust safeguards in place. That is why I voted in favour today.

I also believe we must improve access to high quality palliative and end of life care. Nobody should ever feel that assisted dying is their only option because the care, pain relief or support they need is unavailable. Genuine choice means ensuring everyone can access compassionate and properly funded care at the end of their life.

While today's result is not the one I had hoped for, this important and deeply personal debate will continue. Whatever our individual views, I hope it can do so with the compassion, care and respect it deserves.

Tim Roca MP

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