The Archbishop of Wales has welcomed a decision by the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) to reject a motion calling for Westminster to introduce assisted suicide.
The power to introduce assisted suicide is not devolved to Wales but is reserved to Westminster. The Senedd’s decision suggests that Wales' MPs will oppose any change to the law on assisted dying when MPs in Westminster are due to vote on the issue at the end of November.
It’s a setback for campaigners who want a change in the law which would enable terminally ill people the choice to end their lives. They were hoping the motion would pass and show overwhelming support from the Welsh Parliament for the MP Kim Leadbeater’s assisted suicide Bill, which is currently before the House of Commons.
Senedd members, including the First Minister, Eluned Morgan and Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, were among those who voted 26 votes to 19 against the motion. There was opposition from members from all major parties including Labour, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives.
Speaking to Premier, Most Rev Andrew John said: "I welcome the vote within the Senedd even though it's not binding. I think it was a good indication that some of the concerns that we've registered as bishops in the Church in Wales and our Roman Catholic colleagues as well have been listened to and these largely centre on the kinds of protection that we would expect a modern, careful, considerate society to adopt before there is any change in the law.
"We're very much hopeful that it will be noted in the House of Commons as well."
Right To Life UK spokesperson, Catherine Robinson, said: “This vote shows that the Welsh Parliament clearly rejects the imposition of assisted suicide on Wales from Westminster, with fewer than a third of Senedd members voting in favour.
“The UK must prioritise properly funded, high-quality palliative care for those at the end of their life, not assisted suicide”.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was formally introduced to Parliament earlier this month and is due to be debated and voted on for the first time next month.