MPs who backed assisted suicide bill have concerns

MPs have backed the Assisted Dying Bill in its first Commons vote in nearly a decade, with a majority of 55.

However, some of these MPs have raised concerns over provisions allowing doctors to suggest assisted suicide without a patient initiating the discussion.

Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds, Roz Savage stressed that decisions must be “patient-led, not doctor-led” to avoid undue influence.

Mike Tapp Labour MP for Dover and Deal said it must "be specifically stated in the bill that medical practitioners are not to raise assisted dying with any patient".

"It should only be discussed if it is raised by the patient," he told BBC News. "This helps mitigate the risk of accidental coercion, or the perception of a hint, at a time of immense emotional distress and vulnerability."

The bill would permit adults with under six months to live to end their lives with medical help, pending approval from two doctors and a High Court judge.

Further debates and possible amendments will follow in the coming months before any change in the law is made.