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36 Phonebox Magazine | July 2025This month%u2019s update is a little diff erent from usual, but I hope it provides some clarity on a subject that many constituents have contacted me about. In June, the House of Commons held its fi nal debate on, and voted on, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. It was a signifi cant and sensitive moment in Parliament, and I wanted to use this opportunity to share the thought process behind my vote, as well as thank all those who played a part in the legislative journey.While it has involved diffi cult and at times emotional discussions, both inside and outside Parliament, I have been moved by the respectful and compassionate way people have approached this topic. In particular, I want to thank the hundreds of constituents who have taken the time to write to me, share their deeply personal stories, and speak with me directly about their experiences.In the lead-up to the Second Reading of the Bill back in November, I hosted Town Hall events in both Olney and Newport Pagnell. I was struck by the dignity with which residents expressed their thoughts, whether in support or opposition. Constituency surgeries and written correspondence also off ered insight into just how complex and personal this issue truly is. It became clear that, regardless of diff ering opinions, people were united by a shared commitment to compassion, dignity, and respect for those nearing the end of their lives.As your representative, I felt a profound responsibility to approach this Bill with the seriousness it deserves. In recent months, I have spent considerable time engaging with parliamentary colleagues, legal experts, palliative care professionals, ethicists, and campaigners from both sides of the debate. I wanted to make sure that, if I were to support this legislation, the safeguards it contains would be as strong and robust as possible.I was encouraged to see that the Bill Committee took seriously the feedback received during its consultation. Many thoughtful amendments were made as a direct result of those public contributions.One of the most signifi cant changes was the establishment of a new expert panel to oversee the process. This panel will include a psychiatrist to assess mental capacity, a social worker trained to identify coercion, and a senior legal expert. Each of these roles addresses key concerns raised about the risk of vulnerable individuals being pressured or misunderstood.Other vital amendments included a clear ban on advertising assisted dying services, a prohibition on healthcare professionals raising the subject with anyone under the age of 18, and protections ensuring that no medical practitioner is ever obliged to participate if it confl icts with their conscience. These safeguards are not perfect, and continued scrutiny is Chris CurtisMP for Milton Keynes Northessential, but they are important steps toward a system that puts dignity and safety at its heart.After months of careful deliberation, I ultimately voted in favour of the Bill. This was not a decision I took lightly. I understand that people of goodwill and deep conviction have arrived at very diff erent conclusions. For me, the decisive factor was the belief that, in a limited number of cases, where someone is terminally ill and expected to die within six months, there should be a safe, legal, and carefully regulated option available that allows them to choose the manner of their passing.I want to be clear: my support for this Bill does not mean abandoning our obligation to high-quality palliative care. Quite the opposite. I remain steadfast in my belief that compassionate end-of-life care must be a cornerstone of our healthcare system. I will continue to campaign for increased support and funding for services such as Willen Hospice, which provides outstanding care to families in our community during their most difficult moments.The Bill has now progressed to the House of Lords, where it will undergo further debate and revision. I will continue to monitor its progress closely, ensuring that the voices of my constituents remain part of the national conversation.Engaging with this legislation has been one of the most challenging aspects of my time in Parliament so far. But I believe it also represents the very best of our democratic process: citizens speaking openly, MPs listening carefully, and Parliament deliberating with respect and seriousness. While not everyone will agree with the outcome, I hope all can feel that their voices have been heard and their concerns taken seriously.As ever, I remain committed to engaging with you on the issues that matter most. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write, attend a meeting, or share their story. Your contributions shaped not just my vote, but the future of a debate that touches all of us at some point in our lives.If you would like to get in touch with me or attend one of my surgeries, please feel free to email me at chris.curtis.mp@parliament.ukAs always, you can follow my Facebook page (@ChrisCurtisLabour) for regular updates on what%u2019s happening in Westminster and across our constituency.