Powys MPs support assisted dying bill as vote passes

Mid Wales MPs voted in favour of the bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales as the law cleared its initial stages in the House of Commons.
As the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill reached its final stage in Parliament on June 20, the bill passed through the House of Commons by a narrow margin of 23 votes, ending with 314 votes in favour and 291 against.
Among the MPs who voted in favour of the legislation were Mid Wales representatives, David Chadwick of the Liberal Democrats who is MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, and Steve Witherden of Labour, MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr.
Following the vote, Mr Chadwick said: 'After carefully considering the arguments on both sides, I voted in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill because I believe people with terminal illnesses deserve the right to die with dignity and control and that the legislation has the necessary safeguards to do this in a safe way.
'This was not a decision I came to lightly, and I'd like to thank all the constituents who contacted me to let me know their views on the issue, whatever side of the debate you were on.
'I have heard too many stories of families forced to watch loved ones suffer unnecessarily, and as a Liberal and someone driven by compassion, I feel the law should allow for someone to make a clear, informed, and voluntary choice at the end of their life in a dignified and humane manner.
'Throughout this process, I have been struck by the thoughtful and respectful debate on both sides, driven by compassion and deep personal conviction, and while people may disagree, we have done so and continue to do so civilly and with empathy.'
Mr Witherden had already expressed support for the bill before the final vote, saying in November 2024: 'At a pre-election hustings, I made it clear that I supported changes to the law to legalise assisted dying, provided I was satisfied that safeguards against any abuse would be enshrined in the new law.
'I am aware of the opposition to the legislation and understand fears, especially from some disabled people, those with mental health conditions and groups suffering from specific diseases.
"However, I believe the proposed legislation enshrines sufficient protections for such groups, ensuring their voices will not be marginalised.'

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