Tom Gordon MP Joins Public Bill Committee for the Terminally Ill Adults Bill

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has been appointed as one of 20 MPs to sit on the Public Bill Committee for the Terminally Ill Adults Bill. Introduced by Kim Leadbeater MP, this landmark Bill seeks to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults.

The Committee was established following the Bill’s successful second reading in the House of Commons on 29 November, where it passed with a clear majority of 330 votes to 275. 

Kim Leadbeater expressed her hope that the Committee would foster constructive collaboration among MPs with a range of perspectives and experiences. The Committee includes 12 Labour MPs, 4 Conservatives, 3 Liberal Democrats and 1 Plaid Cymru MP. Among its members are key figures from both sides of the debate, including Conservative MP Danny Kruger, a prominent opponent of assisted dying, and his colleague Kit Malthouse, who has campaigned alongside Kim Leadbeater in support of the Bill. Many committee members bring expertise in health and disability rights, ensuring an informed and comprehensive examination of the legislation. 

The Committee will begin sitting in the new year, undertaking a detailed line-by-line review of the proposed legislation. Those championing the Bill aim to complete the Committee process in time for it to return to the House of Commons on 25 April, where all MPs will have the opportunity to debate and vote on any changes proposed by the Committee. 

Tom has been a long-standing advocate for the Bill. He has been vocal in his belief that terminally ill individuals deserve the right to make end-of-life decisions that align with their values and dignity. While holding this belief, Tom expressed his commitment to ensuring that the legislation is robust, compassionate, and safe. 

Commenting on his selection to the Committee, Tom said: 

‘I am pleased to have been selected to sit on this important Committee. It is vital that the Bill undergoes thorough scrutiny to ensure it is as strong, safe, and compassionate as possible. 

‘I have been a vocal supporter of this legislation since Kim Leadbeater introduced it, as I believe it empowers terminally ill people, enduing unbearable suffering with no hope of recovery, to make the decision that is right for them.

‘This is about dignity and compassion. People with a terminal illness deserve to live and die on their own terms. It is time for the UK to adopt a regulated, compassionate assisted dying law to give them that choice. 

‘We owe it to those facing unmanageable suffering to make this choice a reality, and I am proud to play a part in hopefully helping to achieve this.’

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