An Oxfordshire MP has argued that palliative care is "not good enough" and that the Government "must do better" as MPs voted on the Assisted Dying Bill.

The House of Commons voted by 330 votes to 275 in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill on Friday, November 29.

Speaking after Parliament voted to pass the Bill at the second reading, Layla Moran emphasised the need for better palliative care.

READ MORE: Fish and chip van destroyed in fire on Oxford ring road

Chair of the health and social care select committee and MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, Ms Moran, was among the 330 MPs who voted for the Bill.

The debate leading up to the vote highlighted widespread concerns about the state of palliative care in the UK

Some, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, used the lack of proper care for many terminally ill people as an argument against the Bill.

Speaking in the second reading debate, Ms Moran argued the will of the public and Parliament had been made clear - fixing palliative care should be a priority.

Speaking after the debate, Ms Moran said: “The message from patients, families, and the sector is clear: we need to do better on palliative care.

"I hope that, whatever the outcome of this Bill, we get a firm commitment from the government to improve funding, quality, and access to palliative care.

READ MORE: Michaela Strachan and Timmy Mallett support U's at match

“It’s not good enough for the government to push this into the long grass with a royal commission that could take years.

"We need a clear plan from the government to sort this out now.

“From yesterday’s debate, the will of the public and Parliament is clear. As I said to the Health Secretary - the gauntlet has been thrown down.

"It is now for the Department to take action.”

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber you will get:      

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website   
  • Advert-light access       
  • Reader rewards       
  • Full access to our app