Carlisle MP, Julie Minns has held a public meeting to hear constituents’ opinions on assisted dying.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has put forward a private member’s bill on assisted dying with a debate and initial vote on the matter possible within weeks.

It will be the first time the topic has been debated in the House of Commons since 2015, when an assisted dying bill was defeated.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously promised Labour MPs that they can vote with their conscience on the issue.

Opponents to changing the law have argued some people could feel pressured to have an assisted death against their will, and have called for more focus on improving and ensuring equal access to palliative care.

Campaigners who are terminally ill or have watched loved ones die in pain have called the existing legislation “unbelievably cruel” and pointed out that animals suffering severely can be legally euthanised.

Ms Minns has said she will wait to the text of the bill has been published before deciding on how she will vote.

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“Thank you to everyone who joined me to discuss the issues and questions around proposals to legalise assisted dying,” said Julie.

“We heard first-hand how individual experiences, and trauma can form strong convictions, both for and against assisted dying, and I’d like to especially thank the people who shared their personal stories. 

“The wording of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has yet to be published, but Friday’s discussion, along with the email, briefings and papers I have received will help inform my scrutiny of the Bill when it comes before Parliament.”