Church leaders welcome defeat of assisted suicide Bill

Dr Ray Towey and campaigners. Image ICN/JS

Source: CBCEW/ICN

Church leaders in England and Wales Wales have welcomed the news that that the Assisted Dying Bill was defeated today in Parliament. The Bill failed after Second Reading by 270 (Yes) votes to 286 (No) - a majority of 16.

Archbishop John Sherrington, the Archbishop of Liverpool and Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Bishops' Conference, said in a statement:

We are pleased that MPs have voted to oppose the passage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. We would like to thank those who wrote to their MPs to stop the bill's progression and who assisted the campaign against the bill in other ways.

I would like to express my gratitude to those MPs who voted against the Bill and the many people from across society who made their voices heard - doctors, legal professionals, disability groups, other faith communities and those of no faith who stood up for the dignity and sanctity of every life. We are thankful for the many prayers which have been offered during these weeks.

Throughout this debate, we have argued that our response to those facing serious illness, disability or the challenges of old age should be rooted in solidarity, care and respect. The true measure of a compassionate society is its willingness to support people through difficult circumstances rather than encouraging them to end their lives.

Every day, families, friends, carers and healthcare professionals demonstrate extraordinary generosity in accompanying and supporting those who are suffering. Their dedication reminds us of the value of human relationships and of our shared responsibility to care for one another, especially at life's most vulnerable moments.

We remain convinced that the most effective way to address suffering at the end of life is through greater access to excellent palliative and end-of-life care. Ensuring such care is available to all who need it can help people experience comfort, dignity and support in their final days. We will continue to promote these as priorities and to stand alongside those who devote themselves to caring for the dying in hospices, hospitals, care homes and communities.

May all the sick and frail find comfort in the support of their loved ones, and the love of God, which transcends all suffering. I ask the Catholic community to continue to pray for our legislators, that they will ensure that our laws always uphold the dignity of human life.

The Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia, Mark O'Toole, called the outcome a victory for the dignity of every human life and for all who campaigned to protect the vulnerable.

The result marks a reversal from the previous vote on the legislation, which passed its third reading by 314 votes to 291 last year before ultimately falling in the House of Lords. A number of MPs who had previously supported the Bill changed their position, abstained, or were absent this time, tipping the balance against it.

Archbishop Mark has kept this issue firmly in the spotlight over recent years, standing as a vocal opponent of assisted suicide legislation. Throughout the campaign, he consistently encouraged the faithful and the wider public to write to their MPs and make their voices heard, helping to build the groundswell of opposition that ultimately saw the Bill voted down.

Responding to today's result, Archbishop Mark said: "It is a good day for democracy and for the dignity of human life to see the defeat of this Bill in the House of Commons. I want to thank all those who wrote to their MP's and who advocated for the weakest and most vulnerable in our society. We must continue to seek excellent palliative care which is broad and consistent across our nations, so that no person is made to feel a burden and all those facing the end of their lives can feel supported, loved and respected."

The Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia echoes the Archbishop's gratitude to every MP who voted against the Bill, and to the doctors, carers, disability advocates and people of faith and no faith who stood together in defence of life.

This result is not the end of the conversation but a renewed call to action. The Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia remains committed to championing excellent, accessible palliative care in every community, so that no person nearing the end of their life ever feels they are a burden.

Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley, the Anglican Bishop of Newcastle, expressed relief at the defeat of the Assisted Dying Bill. She acknowledged the personal nature of the debate and the impact on those affected by its outcome. Bishop Hartley emphasized the importance of improving palliative and end-of-life care, which she believes must now receive the attention and investment it deserves. She also called for more scrutiny by professional bodies to ensure the Bill is in a "settled or satisfactory form" before it is enacted.