Labour MP backs assisted dying in heartfelt Commons speech
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As it stands, the proposed legislation would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with fewer than six months to live to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a three-member panel comprising a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.
Speaking during the debate, Ms Burke acknowledged that the Scottish Parliament was considering its own legislation on assisted dying, but said she wanted to share her personal story 'to help in the decision'.
She said: 'Seeing a loved one endure a long, protracted death is not an experience I would wish on anyone. But once it has happened to you, the memory never fades.'
David was 52 when he was rushed to hospital after a colleague noticed he looked unwell. He was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer and spent 18 months trying to fight the disease, including undergoing surgery and experimental drug trials. Eventually, he lost mobility and required round-the-clock care at home.
I spoke in Parliament today about why I'll be voting in favour of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill. This is a deeply personal issue for me — shaped by my brother's experience at the end of his life. You can watch my contribution below. 🎥⬇️ pic.twitter.com/vWV5xyuPLW — Maureen Burke 🌹 (@MaureenBurkeMP) June 20, 2025
'The strength and resilience of his wife, Jackie, who cared for him day in, day out, remains an inspiration to me,' Ms Burke said.
'As David's health declined, his painkillers increased. They became so strong that he could no longer speak, and we did not know whether he could hear us. His body became skeletal. His voice disappeared.
'One of the last times he was able to speak, he called out to me from his bed and told me that if there were a pill he could take to end his life, he would very much like to take it.
'Instead, he suffered in silent pain for a further three weeks.
'He could never have known that I would one day have the opportunity to stand in this place and ask colleagues to make sure that others do not go through what he went through.
'I have done right by my brother by speaking here today.'
She added: 'What David needed was a humane, safe and trusted process available to him at home, that would have given him agency over his final weeks and months. That is what this bill offers.'
Ms Burke acknowledged the wider legal and medical implications but said the issue ultimately came down to 'personal agency over a dignified death'.
She concluded: 'That is the choice this House is, finally, in a position to give to those suffering from terminal illness.'
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