Speaking after the vote the DUP MP said, “It was heartening that the vast majority of Northern Ireland’s MPs who take their seats voted against this Bill. It was a significant and poignant debate with many people speaking from deep personal experiences.
As a Party we value life, and the result of the vote is disappointing. It represents another step towards our nation changing how we view and value the lives of the our fellow citizens. I believe that we should respect the inherent value of every single person, simply because they are human. Everyone wants to lessen the suffering of those who are in pain, but that should be through treatment, research and palliative care, not through ending that life.
There will now be a Committee Stage and we await to see the make-up of that Committee, although the ability for significant scrutiny is limited. Before the final vote is taken, we will use the time available to highlight the flaws of the Bill and the alternative way forward that exists. Whilst it appears the course we are destined to take may be set, there is the possibility for change, however small that might be.”