WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols says she is ‘broadly in favour’ of regulation to allow for assisted dying in ‘limited circumstances’.

The assisted dying bill is due to be debated in Parliament in the coming week.

Labour’s Ms Nichols has issued a statement on the matter.

She said: “Assisted dying is a complex and emotive issue. I know there are strongly held ethical and moral views on both sides of the debate.

“I believe that it is appropriate for Parliament to consider this reform now, and for it to be an unwhipped vote, with each MP free to come to their own conclusions.

“I have listened with an open mind to the views of the hundreds of constituents who have been in touch with me about this, including their personal experiences both with our hospice and end of life care, and with practices elsewhere in the world that have different laws.

“I have heard moving cases put by people on both sides, and think it is important that we respect each other’s profound views on such a sensitive subject.

“In my view if the law does change it is vital that it also includes strong and proper safeguards. Any reform must recognise the concerns that many people have to try to achieve the widest possible consensus, including the voices of disabled people, many of whom have expressed anxieties about these proposals.

“Most importantly if the law does change, assisted dying must not become an alternative to high-quality palliative and end of life care. People deserve dignity in dying, and each person nearing the end of their life should feel reassured and safe in the knowledge they will receive the very best care.

“There will be full and detailed debate about this legislation, and I will carefully consider all of the concerns raised and how the bill addresses them.

“I am broadly in favour of regulation to allow for assisted dying in limited circumstances, but we must have assurance that the correct safeguarding measures are stringently in place.”