Montgomeryshire’s MP has revealed he will be voting in favour of the End of Life Bill when it comes to Parliament this month.

Steve Witherden, MP for Montgomeryshire, has confirmed that he intends to vote in favour of the End of Life Bill, due to be debated in Parliament on November 29, saying it is “neither civilised nor humane to prolong the suffering of a sound-minded person in the throes of a slow and painful death”.

The Bill proposes that adults with a terminal illness who are expected to die within six months be eligible for an assisted death, providing that two doctors and a High Court judge have verified that they are eligible and have made their decision voluntarily.

Mr Witherden said: “At a pre-election hustings, I made it clear that I supported changes to the law to legalise assisted dying, provided I was satisfied that safeguards against any abuse would be enshrined in the new law.

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“I am aware of the opposition to the legislation and understand fears, especially from some disabled people, those with mental health conditions and groups suffering from specific diseases.

"However, I believe the proposed legislation enshrines sufficient protections for such groups, ensuring their voices will not be marginalised.

“The bill is clear in defining terminal illness, which excludes mental health conditions and disabilities. Patients would be required to sign two witnessed declarations, receive approval from two doctors acting completely independently from each other, and then approval from the High Court. Finally, any medicine would legally have to be self-administered by the patient.

“These are all highly regulated stages and would ensure that only those over the age of 18 with a voluntary, clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life would be able to do so.

“It is neither civilised nor humane to prolong the suffering of a sound-minded person in the throes of a slow and painful death.

“I believe in the right of an individual, who finds themselves in such circumstances, to choose the time of their passing and that it is inappropriate for the state to take away their right to choose.”

The Bill was officially introduced on Monday, November 11, and is just beginning its legislative journey, with more scrutiny and debate likely to follow over the coming months after a discussion and vote in Parliament.