North East MPs are set to vote on a controversial new law to legalise assisted dying. 

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - which would allow terminally ill adults expected to die within six months to end their life - is set to be voted on in Parliament today (Friday, November 29). 

While some say people should have the freedom to end their own lives to stop or avoid suffering, others have argued it could create a “slippery slope towards death on demand”.

Ahead of the vote, several MPs from across the region have spoken out on what way they intend to vote - although those who have, remain unsure about which side of the argument they will fall on come the vote. 

Luke Akehurst, MP for North Durham, said: “I will be listening carefully to the debate, and I want to be sure all the correct safeguards are in the bill, but at this stage I am minded to vote for the assisted dying law so that terminally ill people can choose to end their life.”

Luke AkehurstLuke Akehurst (Image: Newsquest)

Meanwhile, Darlington MP Lola McEvoy said she was “deeply undecided” on the issue on ITV Tyne Tees last week, describing it as a “very emotive and difficult issue”.

She said giving “psychological solace to people at their end of life with this choice” was the most compelling reason to vote for - but raised concerns over the ability to “deliver the existing projects that the NHS has to do”. 

Lola McEvoyLola McEvoy (Image: LOLA MCEVOY)

Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said he is “not sufficiently certain that we are currently in a position to sanction and approve this proposed law” in a lengthy letter to his constituents earlier this week, where he weighed up both sides of the debate. 

Andy McDonaldAndy McDonald (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Charity Hospice UK said that whatever decisions are made around assisted dying, there needs to be “fair funding and equitable provision of palliative and end of life care across the UK”.

Both Teesside Hospice and Butterwick Hospice have not yet commented on the situation, and how it could impact the hospice sector. 

If voted in, the bill would mean people who are eligible must be registered with a GP for 12 months, have the mental capacity to make the decision, and have a “clear, settled and informed wish – free from coercion or pressure”. 

There are barriers, however, with the person having to make two separate witnessed and signed declarations - with two independent doctors being satisfied the person is eligible. 

A High Court judge must hear from at least one of the doctors regarding the application and can also question the dying person as well as anyone else they consider appropriate.

Of the 650 MPs in the Commons, most have yet to reveal publicly how they will vote, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who supported a change in the law in 2015.

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Asked on Thursday whether his view on the matter had changed since then, Sir Keir again declined to say, instead repeating that he does not want to “put pressure” on MPs who will be taking part in a free vote.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is among those who have stated they remain undecided as they study the Bill’s contents.

The Cabinet is split on the issue, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood intending to vote no, while Energy Secretary and former Labour leader Ed Miliband is supporting the Bill alongside Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.