MPs voted on the assisted dying bill last week in what has been described as a historic vote.

The bill has now been passed meaning terminally ill people are a step closer to being able to choose when they die.

On this issue, Ms McVey said: "In recent weeks I have had hundreds of emails from constituents on this, about two-thirds of which opposed this Bill.

"I fully sympathise with those wanting to see a change in the law and do understand the arguments put forward. This was an incredibly hard decision for everyone voting on it.

"However, after serious deliberation, today I voted against legalising assisted dying.

"I believe the Bill put before MPs was rushed, it didn't provide time for everyone to speak, nor was there sufficient time to scrutinise it.

"A Bill of this magnitude needs proper time and consideration. It will allow the state to authorise death, it is a massive change to the law and to the notion of the sanctity of life.

"I am also concerned there will not be adequate safeguarding systems in place to ensure that people feel free to make truly voluntary decisions.

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"My fear is that a law would alter society's attitude towards the elderly, seriously ill and disabled and sends a message that assisted dying is an option they 'ought' to consider.

"This risk of elderly patients feeling they are 'being a burden' is something we have seen reported from other countries that have introduced similar legislation.

"For many patients, we should be striving for access to high-quality palliative care rather than legalising assisted dying."

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