15-05-2025
Stirling politicians open up over Holyrood assisted dying vote
The highly-debated topic was in the spotlight this week as the Scottish Parliament held an initial vote on proposals to allow the practice in Scotland - with local representatives on both sides.
The region's political representatives have been offering their thoughts after a landmark bill aimed at legalising 'assisted dying' passed an initial vote at Holyrood.
The bill would allow terminally-ill, mentally competent adults to seek medical assistance in ending their own lives - but only if they had a terminal illness and had been ruled capable of making the decisions by two separate doctors.
It has been a controversial issue, with protestors gathered outside the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday while legislators cast their votes inside the chamber on the very first stage of the proposals.
Following an emotionally charged and sometimes poignant debate, MSPs decided to vote in favour of the bill at stage one by 70 votes to 56.
It will now need to clear two more phases of parliamentary scrutiny before it could become law.
The issue was subject to a rare 'free vote' at Holyrood - meaning politicians were able to cast their vote without having to take into account party affiliations.
An example of that saw Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed and Clackmannanshire and Dunblane representative Keith Brown - who both represent the SNP - casting votes on opposite sides.
Ms Tweed voted yes to the bill and said afterwards: 'I know assisted dying is an emotive issue and feelings run strong on both sides of the debate.
'This is the most important bill I will ever consider in my time as an MSP and it is important that the issue is approached carefully with sensitivity and compassion.
'I want to thank the many constituents who have taken the time to contact me to share their personal stories and views on this. I have listened closely and deeply value the range of perspectives I've heard.
'At Stage One, I have supported the general principles of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.
'I believe it is right that we explore whether there can be a dignified, safeguarded, compassionate framework that gives people with a terminal illness more choice over how and when they die, whilst also ensuring protections are in place for the most vulnerable.
'There is still a long way to go, and this is not a decision I will take lightly at any stage. I look forward to the further scrutiny that will take place at Stage Two, and I will continue to engage with the evidence and the arguments presented as the bill progresses.
'I want to thank Liam McArthur MSP for his approach to handling this issue with the sensitivity, openness and respect it deserves.'
Meanwhile, following his vote against the plans, Mr Brown told the Observer: 'Deciding how to vote on this Bill was very difficult.
'I approached it with deep care, listening closely to the heartfelt arguments from all sides - especially those shared by people living with terminal illness, their families, and advocates for both choice and protection.
'I understand the profound pain and complexity involved in these situations, and I have great respect for those who support this Bill in the hope of easing suffering.
'However, after much reflection, I could not support it.
'My greatest concern remains the absence of strong, clear safeguards to protect the most vulnerable - especially the elderly, disabled, or terminally ill - who may, even unintentionally, feel pressure or obligation to end their lives for the sake of others.
'No one should ever feel like a burden.
'Protecting vulnerable people must always be our priority, and I did not feel this bill provided the level of protection and reassurance that is absolutely necessary.'
Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Alexander Stewart also voted for the proposals - but said more work had to be done during the remaining stages of parliamentary scrutiny if he was to give the bill a final thumbs up.
Mr Stewart said: 'This proposed bill covers an exceptionally emotive and poignant issue which is so close to nearly everyone's hearts.
'Every single constituent who has been in touch with me — whether this be via email, campaign card, letter or telephone — has experienced some form of first-hand trauma, towards which this issue resonates most powerfully.
'To this end — and also by personal experience —this was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as an MSP.
'I was in the end content to support the principles of the bill at stage one, however there has to be a raft of strong amendments coming forth in stage two, to ensure that powerful safeguards are in place.
'As such, I want to see the bill properly amended before I will even consider supporting it at stage three.'
Meanwhile, Green MSP Mark Ruskell joined every member of his own party in showing his support for the initial assisted dying plans.
Mr Ruskell said: 'Ending the ban on assisted dying is so important to give us choices about how we can end our lives free from suffering.
'I was proud to vote for the bill. Assisted dying was in the Greens election manifesto and we see it as an important right in a compassionate society.
'There is still some way to go before the bill becomes law.
'I'm hoping we can get more support for it at Holyrood as the bill is amended and concerns are hopefully ironed out.'
