Yahoo News How Lincolnshire MPs voted on the assisted dying bill
Lincolnshire MPs were divided as the House of Commons voted in favour of the right to assisted dying today. The draft bill passed its first stage by 330 votes to 275 after hours of emotional debate.
It would allow people expected to die within six months to seek help to end their life. Supporters say assisted dying will give terminally-ill people dignity at the end of their lives, while critics fear a ‘slippery slope’ which could leave elderly and infirm people feeling under pressure.
Members of Parliament were given a free vote to follow their conscience, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer not revealing in advance how he planned to vote. Lincolnshire’s eight MPs were evenly split between the ‘aye’ and ‘no’ camps.
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The following voted in favour:
Hamish Falconer (Lab - Lincoln)
Victoria Atkins (Con - Louth and Horncastle)
Richard Tice (Ref - Skegness and Boston)
Alicia Kearns (Con - Rutland and Stamford)
The following voted against:
Dr Caroline Johnson (Con - Sleaford and North Hykeham)
Sir Edward Leigh (Con - Gainsborough)
Sir John Hayes (Con - South Holland and the Deepings)
Gareth Davies (Con - Grantham and Bourne)
The bill would be one of the biggest changes in the UK's social policy in years if it becomes law.
Sir Edward Leigh wrote on X after the vote: “Assisted suicide can't be considered only in terms of individual hard cases, but the impact on society as a whole. We need to foster a society that loves life and believes in caring, rather than one built on despair.”
Richard Tice said in Parliament: “There are specifics [of the bill] which need debate and analysis in great detail. That’s the whole point of sending it to committee.” The bill will now face months of debate and amendments, and will require the approval of both Houses before it becomes law.
