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Tory MP near tears as he tells of suicide try in PMQs speech

A Conservative MP has come near tears as he instructed MPs about how he tried to take his personal life.

Elliot Colburn, the MP for Carshalton and Wallington, instructed the Commons that he had tried to finish his life in 2021 as he felt that the “world would be better off without me in it”. But fortunately he was discovered by members of the family shortly and brought to hospital the place he acquired care.

In a transferring PMQs speech, Mr Colburn, 31, stated: “February marks emotional health, boost your self-esteem and children’s mental health month. In recent years something like 6,500 people die in the UK each year due to suicide.

“In 2021 I used to be almost one in every of them. Luckily my try failed, I used to be discovered by members of the family shortly, I acquired superb care at St Helier and Springfield Hospitals, did not do any everlasting harm and was well-looked after by the NHS within the months that adopted.

“I want to take this chance to say thank you to everyone who saved me and sorry to my family and loved ones, who I put through such an awful ordeal. In that moment, I felt alone and scared, and like there was no way out, and that the world would be better off without me in it.”

MPs cheered him on as visibly upset, Mr Colburn added: “I don’t recognise that man any more. I know that nothing is ever really worth that, help really is out there, and I am pretty awesome.

“Does the Prime Minister agree that one loss of life by suicide is one too many? And will he ship a message from the despatch field at present that no matter you’re going by means of, you aren’t alone, that assistance is on the market, and higher days lie forward?”

Mr Sunak replied: “I do know the entire House will be part of me in commending him for his bravery in sharing his story. I can completely guarantee him that we take this subject extremely critically. The new suicide prevention technique ensures that we are going to have the actions in place to cut back suicide over the following years, as a result of we completely recognise the influence that it has on folks, their households, and we should always do every little thing we are able to to forestall that from taking place.”

If you need support, Samaritans can be reached on the free helpline 116 123 or via email at josamaritans.org.