Ashford MP to vote Against The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

Sojan Joseph, the MP for Ashford (Labour) announced earlier today privately to constituents who had contacted previously him regarding the Bill, that he would be voting ‘Against’ The Private Member’s Bill put forward by Kim Leadbetter MP. 

He explained that after going into the debate with an “open mind” and reading all of his constituents’ correspondents, attending many events and debates; he had reached his decision  

In the responses to his constituents, he stated that he was still concerned about the level of safeguarding in the Bill. However, Mr. Joseph stated that he does not oppose the idea of assisted dying in principle of choice for the terminally ill but believes the debate has come too early into the Parliament and needs greater safeguarding before it should be passed. 

Sojan Joseph also outlined his work as a mental health nurse, which he said led him to his decision. He stated that the safeguarding for those with fluctuating capacity was not currently sufficient in the current Bill. However, with further safeguarding in place for those with mental health conditions, Mr. Joseph said that he could reassess his position if there were changes to the legislation in the future. 

Sojan also emphasised the need to empathise and understand how contentious this debate can be – especially for those with lived experiences and people from different communities.