There are many facets to being an MP and not being able to please all the people all the time goes with the territory. As they say, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Today sees an important vote in Parliament. Usually, MPs spend Fridays in their constituencies – I often hold surgeries on Fridays, for example. Today, though MPs are in Westminster to vote on the Assisted Dying private member’s bill.

Normally, votes are whipped along Party lines. Not so today. There’s a ‘free vote’ on this bill, which has been introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater and will be debated and voted upon. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill as it is formally known, aims to allow those diagnosed with a terminal disease who have less that six months to live the right to end their life subject to certain specific safeguards.

Needless to say, there are very passionate views both in favour and against the bill.

I have received more correspondence on this matter than anything else since being elected. Perhaps that’s not a surprise as it is an emotive subject to say the least. As your newly elected MP, I’m keen to make a difference here in Watford and so I decided to hold a ‘town hall’ style public meeting on the subject in order that those who had contacted me could have their say.

A vote of conscience comes along rarely, and it is quite unusual to have one of this magnitude so early in a parliament. It is a great responsibility and I have wrestled long and hard with my decision, but not to vote would be an abrogation of duty.

  • Matt Turmaine is Labour MP for Watford