Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop John Wilson comment on vote for Assisted Dying Bill

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Cardinal Vincent Nichols issued the following response after the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons by just 23 votes:

'The vote in the House of Commons in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is a watershed moment in the history of our country. It fundamentally changes society's long held values and relationships on matters of life and death.

'The task is now clear: every effort must be made to limit the damage that will be done by this decision. This duty lies both on the House of Lords and on His Majesty's Government.

The list of challenges is long. It has been well rehearsed in recent weeks by responsible bodies and distinguished individuals, including the Public Commission on Palliative and End-of-Life Care whose recommendations have yet to be discussed. The appeal to personal autonomy, so much at the centre of the Parliamentary debate, cuts both ways: the provision of a choice to die cannot exclude the provision of properly resourced care for those who choose to live until a natural death.

'As Catholics we will continue to play our part in the building of the common good. The decision of Parliament does not change our firm belief in the sanctity of life, never simply a burden, but always a gift of God, given and received. Our duties are clear: to live by the teaching given to us by God; generously to accompany with care and compassion those facing disability, isolation and suffering; to continue to put forward, with respect and clarity, the objective norms that inform our firm beliefs on how to live, and to die, well.

Archbishop John Wilson, Metropolitan Archbishop of Southwark said: "This is a terrifyingly dark week in British history, as MPs vote for legislation which endangers the lives of unborn children, and promote legislation which will endanger vulnerable adults and the elderly. All those who stand on the side on the side of life, and who uphold the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, need to raise their voice in defence of those who are voiceless. Irrespective of religious belief this is a matter of basic justice for every human life.

"As followers of the Lord Jesus, we are a people of life. Jesus is our hope and in his name we will tirelessly make the case for the defence of human life. Life is sacred. It is a gift from God and we must never be afraid to speak this truth.

"I urge you to continue to pray and campaign in defence of human life."