Lib Dem chief Ed Davey suggests he’ll vote towards altering regulation on assisted dying

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has suggested he will vote against proposals to legalise assisted dying.

Ahead of a key vote on the issue, the former coalition Cabinet minister said the country must instead improve end-of-life care. Last month backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater formally introduced a bill to allow terminally ill people to end their lives.

When the issue is debated in November it will be the first time MPs have voted on assisted dying for almost a decade. In 2015 MPs voted against changing the law by 330 to 118.

Speaking to reporters Sir Ed, who has previously said he was “sceptical” over this issue, made clear his concerns. Asked whether he was ready to vote against the bill, he said: “Yes.

“I’m going to listen to the debate and I think every single member of Parliament needs to listen closely to this debate – to be open minded to it. I am very minded to vote against it because of the impact on the psychology, if you like, of elderly people and some disabled people.”

He said some may feel “burdened on their loved ones” to end their lives. The Lib Dem leader raised the experience of his mother, who died when he was teenager after suffering a “very painful” form of cancer.

“I used to administer morphine to her and I was by her bedside when she died. I can tell you I don’t think she would have wanted anything different.”

But he said the country had to do “so much better” when it comes to palliative care – a sentiment shared by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. “I think we did do that – it’s completely doable – many of the people who worry about this would have their worries reassured,” he added.

Mr Streeting also suggested he would vote against a change in the law due to “worries” about family coercion, campaigners, and other pressures the NHS is already facing.

But Keir Starmer has spoken in favour, saying there are “grounds for changing the law”, and has promised Labour MPs a free vote on the issue. And polls have consistently shown there is clear support. Earlier this month a survey found 57% agreed with legalising assisted dying, while 27% neither agree nor disagree and 16% disagree.