Both Isle of Wight MPs have voted against legislation that would legalise assisted dying in the House of Commons today (Friday, November 29).

Labour's Richard Quigley, Isle of Wight West MP and Conservatives' Joe Robertson, Isle of Wight East MP, voted no at the bill's second reading. 

The ayes in support of the bill were 330, and those against were 275.

Earlier this week, Mr Quigley said to the County Press he could not support the bill as it was, while Mr Robertson said he was undecided.

Recommended reading:

The bill - called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - sets out detailed requirements in order to be eligible.

According to the research briefing of the bill, the legislation aims to allow adults aged 18 or over, who have mental capacity, are terminally ill and are in the final six months of their life, to request assistance from a doctor to end their life.
The bill will now proceed to its next Commons stage.

Richard Quigley and Joe Robertson have been contacted for comment.

Update (3.51pm): Joe Robertson said in a statement: “The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its Second Reading today.

I support the principle of giving people a choice about how they die when suffering immeasurable pain during the last 6 months of life.

“However, I voted against this Bill because there are significant deficiencies in the way it is drafted.

"For example, Section 12(1) appears to make the role of a judge optional, not mandatory.

"Section 8(6) appears to allow the Secretary of State to decide that the second independent doctor can be another type of medical practitioner.

“Now this Bill has passed to the Committee stage, I will do all I can to work with colleagues to strengthen the wording of the Bill to ensure that, at the least, two doctors and a judge are an absolute requirement, and further safeguards are in place.

"There is no guarantee we can achieve this, which is why I voted against it, but I will do all I can using the best of my knowledge and experience, including as a former family lawyer."

Update (4.28pm): Richard Quigley said in a statement: "MPs today voted 330 in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

"It was a free vote, which meant there were heartfelt and considered contributions on both sides of the debate from all corners of the chamber.

"Although I was one of the 275 who voted against this Bill, I fully respect those who supported it and the MPs who voted in favour.

"It’s times like these, when a topic is debated sensitively, compassionately, and respectfully, which shows Parliament and our parliamentary democracy at its best.

"I would like to reassure constituents who may be concerned or upset by today’s vote that this bill now faces months of parliamentary scrutiny.

"And we still need to ensure palliative care is the best it can be."