McArthur expresses disappointment as Assisted Dying bill falls just short

Liam McArthur MSP has today expressed his disappointment as his Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults bill fell just short in its stage three vote tonight.

Despite overwhelming public support, 57 MSPs voted for the Bill to pass, with 69 voting against.

This marks a significant shift in support since 2015, the last time a Bill on assisted dying came before the Parliament.

Mr McArthur said:

“I am obviously deeply disappointed at the result of tonight’s vote. For many MSPs this will have been the last significant vote they will cast in their time in Parliament. I know many have wrestled with their consciences. They will now have to live with their decisions.

“In the coming days, there will be time to reflect on why the bill couldn’t quite make it across the line but for now, I would like to thank my staff, the campaign groups and parliamentarians who have backed this bill and most of all, the terminally ill Scots and their families who have told their stories. I am sorry that Parliament has denied you this compassionate choice tonight.

“However, for now we should be proud that this is by far the most votes that an assisted dying bill has ever secured in the Scottish Parliament. This is not a conversation that is going away. For so long as dying Scots continue to suffer as a result of the lack of choice and safety afforded to them by the current law, I’m certain that it will be an issue in front of Parliament once more."