The Archbishop of Liverpool has thanked campaigners, MPs and healthcare and legal professionals who opposed assisted suicide after legislation to legalise it in England and Wales was defeated in Parliament.

Archbishop John Sherrington, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales’ lead bishop for life issues, also thanked disability rights groups and people of different faiths and none for speaking out against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

The Bill was defeated at its second reading by 286 votes to 270, a majority of 16.

In a statement published by the Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Sherrington said: “I would like to express my gratitude to those MPs who voted against the Bill and the many people from across society who made their voices heard – doctors, legal professionals, disability groups, other faith communities and those of no faith who stood up for the dignity and sanctity of every life.”

He said the response to serious illness, disability and old age should focus on “solidarity, care and respect”, rather than helping people to end their lives.

The archbishop said greater access to high-quality palliative and end-of-life care was the most effective way of supporting people experiencing suffering.

“We remain convinced that the most effective way to address suffering at the end of life is through greater access to excellent palliative and end-of-life care,” he said.

He also thanked people who had prayed during the parliamentary debate and called on Catholics to continue praying for politicians.

“I ask the Catholic community to continue to pray for our legislators, that they will ensure that our laws always uphold the dignity of human life,” he said.