The Newark Advertiser heard people’s views on the End of Life Bill as it returns to Parliament today for its Report Stage

In its weekly voxpop, the Advertiser heard people’s views on the End of Life Bill as it returns to Parliament today (May 16).

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to request, if they meet the criteria, to be provided with assistance to end their own lives.

The Bill was first introduced to Parliament in October 2024 and passed the committee stage on March 26, and it is returning to the House of Commons today for its report stage.

The bill has created a lot of discussion about what is wrong and right, we heard what people across Newark thought about it.

Joan Becker said: “It depends on who and what, it is more than just saying I believe in that or I don’t.

“To me, it means you have to know the individual.

“I am not against it, but there are also a lot of wicked people, so I don’t know.

“Unless it was somebody personal to me, and I would hate to see them suffer, it is a bigger thing than that.”

Jill and her husband John Laycock agreed that they would rather there was better care for the end of life, rather than being in favour of the bill.

The majority of the people we spoke to showed their support to the bill and defended that people should be allowed the choice, especially if in pain.

However, others, either by fear of coercion or religion, have shown their disapproval.

Liz Fennell said: “I am in favour — there are lots of reasons, one of them being you should be in control of your own destiny and body, not someone else.

“I do see the downside as well that it might affect people that didn’t really want to die, and their family are pushing it, but I still stick with yes.”

To be eligible for assisted dying, a person must be terminally ill, be aged 18 or over, reside in England and Wales or have been for 12 continuous months, be registered with a GP in England and Wales, and have the mental capacity to decide to end their life.

“I have seen too many people with terminal illness suffer for a long, long time, and it isn’t fair,” said Shirley Hill.

Lilly Smith and her friend Dot Fowell agreed that people shouldn’t suffer and that they should be allowed to ‘go away peacefully’ if it is their choice.

“I don’t think people should suffer, you don’t let an animal suffer, so why would you let people suffer?” said Linda Willis.

Today, Liz Kendall, David Lammy and Peter Kyle will face MPS questions regarding the bill, and during its report stage, the bill will be considered by the Parliament, where further amendments can take place.

The Newark Advertiser now asks its readers — are you in favour or against the End of Life Bill?