Following the vote in the House of Commons against giving Second Reading to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, the Bishop of Newcastle, Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, said: “I am relieved that the Assisted Dying Bill has been defeated today. 

“I recognise the deeply personal nature of this debate and acknowledge all those who will be affected by its outcome.

“I am pleased that MPs have taken seriously the detailed scrutiny applied to the Bill in the House of Lords, work in which I was privileged to participate as a member of the Select Committee.

“I hope that today’s decision now affords us space for reflection, but also for action: a clear and sustained commitment to improving palliative and end-of-life care, alongside the social care on which so many people and families depend. 

“These are urgent matters, and they must now receive the attention and investment they deserve.”