MP explains decision to vote against assisted dying bill  

Melksham MP Brian Mathew has explained his decision to vote against the latest attempt to legalise assisted dying, citing personal experiences with loved ones and concerns about access to palliative care. 

The House of Commons voted against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday 11th September, with 286 MPs voting against and 270 in favour. 

The Bill proposed allowing terminally ill adults in England and Wales to request assistance to end their own lives, subject to safeguards. 

MPs were given a free vote on the issue, meaning they were not required to vote along party lines. 

Explaining his decision, Brian Mathew said, “I recognise that this issue evokes very strong emotions, and that people’s views are often shaped by deeply personal experiences of terminal illness, disability, care for loved ones and end of life care. My own thought and my ultimate decision to not support the Bill were also formed by my own experience with loved ones. 

“Having carefully considered the Bill for a third time since its introduction last year, I did not feel able to support it. I also believe we need to do much more to improve access to high-quality palliative and end-of-life care across the country, so that no one feels they have limited choices because the care and support they need is not readily available. I know the result of this vote will have come as a disappointment to many and as a relief to others and I want to thank every single person who wrote to me sharing their stories and thoughts on this topic.” 

The MP previously voted in favour of progressing the legislation in November 2024. He then voted against it at its third reading on 20th June 2025 and again at the latest vote.  

The decision from MPs means there is unlikely to be any change to the law on assisted dying in the immediate future.