The Conservative MP Sir Desmond Swayne has said he will use his Private Member's Bill to strengthen support for parents, carers and babies, rather than revisit the issue of assisted dying.
Sir Desmond, who secured first place in the ballot for Private Members' Bills, told Premier Christian News he had "little appetite" to reintroduce assisted dying legislation after voting against the issue when it was last debated in Parliament.
"I voted against it last time, so I'd be hardly inclined to reintroduce it," he said.
Instead, the veteran MP plans to bring forward what he has described as a "Parents, Carers and Babies Bill", aimed at placing support services for families with young children on a firmer legal footing.
The proposed legislation would seek to enshrine the Best Start Family Hubs and Start for Life programme in law, with a particular focus on supporting families during a child's first 1,001 days.
The programme aims to make support, such as health advice, parenting help, and early years services, easier to access during pregnancy and in a child’s first years.
Sir Desmond said the earliest years of a child's life are critical in shaping future outcomes.
"The first 1,001 critical days of a child's life are hugely important and determine so much of their life chances later," he said. "It's in those times that parents and carers face enormous pressures."
He argued that providing support at an early stage could help prevent more costly interventions later in life.
Details of the bill have yet to be finalised, with Sir Desmond saying discussions with ministers would take place over the coming months. He stressed that government backing would be essential if the legislation is to progress through Parliament.
The MP suggested the legislation could give family hubs greater powers to identify local needs and commission services, although the final content of the bill will depend on negotiations with ministers.
Sir Desmond also highlighted the contribution made by churches and faith-based organisations in supporting families and said he would consider examining their role further in the bill.
"That is a very, very important role," he said. "These are vital services in many areas where there is no family hub, and I certainly would want to be able to enhance that if it is possible."
Despite the challenges Private Members' Bills often face, Sir Desmond said he was optimistic about the proposal's prospects.
"I chose it because I thought it was a bill that had every opportunity," he said.
However, he cautioned families against expecting immediate changes, describing the legislative process as "a long haul".