Assisted dying: MP to host town hall meeting

The Vale's Labour MP is to hold a public town hall meeting ahead of a crucial vote on assisted dying.

MPs are expected to hold a final vote next week on the bill, put forward by MP Kim Leadbetter, which would allow terminally ill adults in Wales and England to end their lives.

On Friday, the Commons backed an opt-out clause, which would mean no health professionals can be obliged to be a part of the process.

Locally, Kanishka Narayan says he's received over 800 letters and emails on the subject and wants to invite wider public participation.

The hour-long meeting, taking place at Barry Town Hall on Sunday afternoon, is open to all constituents.

Mr Narayan said the expected forthcoming vote would be "one of the most profound and historic decisions I will ever take as your MP - a vote that goes to the very heart of what it means to live and die with dignity, compassion, and choice."

In an open letter, the MP revealed he had been pressured by lobbyists and campaign groups amid the "sensitive and polarising nature" of the issue.

He added: "But the only voices that matter to me are those of my constituents. I was elected to serve you, not lobby groups or headlines. And on a question this personal, this permanent, I want to hear directly from the people I represent."

“Some believe legalising assisted dying would offer relief and autonomy to those suffering at the end of life. Others believe it would cross a line that could never be uncrossed. But this isn’t just my vote - it’s ours.”

Last November, when MPs backed the bill at its second reading, Mr Narayan voted in favour - while Stephen Doughty, the neighbouring Labour MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, voted against.

But the Vale of Glamorgan MP insists at the third reading, he will "vote the way" his constituents tell hiim to on a once in a lifetime question.

He added anyone unable to attend will be invited to email Mr Narayan's parliamentary office to share their views.

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