This week in Westminster has been dominated by a difficult decision.

I agonised over this decision, paying close attention to the strong arguments put forward on both sides of the debate, while still finding my feet as a new MP. Indeed, this is a monumental decision to face so early in my parliamentary career. However, the question was before us, it is the responsibility I signed up for, and I do not shirk it. Even as I know that I will upset many people, however I vote.

The way this debate has been conducted has been heartening, given the bitter divisions we have experienced as a country in recent years. I pay tribute to the generous way in which Kim Leadbeater MP led the debate, as the sponsor of this Bill, both in the chamber today and beforehand, and to those on all sides of the debate for the spirit in which it has been conducted. It was a very difficult and emotional day in the House of Commons, and unlike any that I have witnessed in my short time here so far, with none of the pantomime-like behaviour we often see, and both sides contributing to a respectful and solemn debate.

I listened to Conservative MP, Danny Kruger, make a thoughtful opening speech against the Bill, and he reminded us that “no man or woman is an island”. He is of course right. These matters can never just be a question of personal liberty – of giving people the choice to make their own decisions – because they have deep implications for the way society thinks about life and death, and we must consider the wider consequences, especially unintended consequences for the most vulnerable, when considering legislation such as this.

However, I came into politics because I want to reduce human suffering - to see people live happier, more fulfilled lives. It is heart-breaking that so many people’s final months are consumed by pain and suffering, along with the associated impact this has on their family. While I have doubts and concerns, on balance I currently believe that this Bill is sufficiently limited in scope to reduce unnecessary suffering for those who wish to shorten a painful death, without causing undue suffering to others. I believe the safeguards included make it worthy of progression to committee stage, where it can be further examined, with those safeguards scrutinised, before returning to the House of Commons for a further vote.

So I voted for the Bill on Friday, but I make no commitment as to how I will vote when the Bill returns to the House of Commons for another vote, and will follow its progression very closely before making my decision at the final stage, which will be in several months’ time.

Thank you again to everyone who got in touch to share their views and experiences over Assisted Dying. If there is anything I can help with, please email [email protected], call my Colne office on 01282 503316, or my Clitheroe office on 01200 401218. And remember to follow me on Facebook for daily updates.