The MP for West Dunbartonshire has expressed his "disappointment" at the outcome of the vote on the first stage of the assisted dying bill at Westminster.

The Bill, which was backed in the Commons by 330 votes for to 275 against on Friday, November 29, would give people the right to request to be helped to end their lives if they are terminally ill and have less than six months to live.

Brought forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbetter, the proposed legislation will only apply in England and Wales but Scottish MPs were able to vote on it.

It still has further steps to go through before becoming law, and supporters believe assisted dying will not be an option for those with a terminal diagnosis for at least three years.

During the five-hour debate, the Commons heard impassioned pleas from both sides.

MPs recounted personal experiences of illness and death, and appeals they had heard from their constituents on assisted dying.

There are differing points of view on the proposed policy with some agreeing with Kim Leadbeater believing it is a person’s right if they are terminally ill and enduring pain with no expectation of recovery.

Others, including a number of religious leaders and faith groups, argue it could lead to people feeling they have a "duty to die" and call for more investment in palliative care. 

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Douglas McAllister MP expressed concerns ahead of the vote about the Bill's "inability to prevent coercion" and he insists it is a problem that still needs to be addressed.

He said: "I am very disappointed by the outcome of this first vote but the process is not over.

"The details of the Bill will now be considered by committee and by House of Lords and then back to the Commons for a final vote.

"Of course the law would not apply to Scotland if it does pass at the final reading however clearly it would have a knock-on effect here in Scotland, which causes me great concern.

"I will continue to vote and speak out against the Bill.

"I am very worried about those who may face unbearable coercion.

"No one is a burden to family or Society and life should be treasured to the very end.

"I fully acknowledge and respect those who have a contrary view based on concerns regarding intolerable pain but I wish our nation and Parliaments to focus on alternatives and in particular the delivery of palliative care.

"I hope this very difficult moral and ethical issue will continue to be discussed in a respectful manner and I wish to thank all my constituents who have taken the time to contact me with their own thoughts."