The topic of assisted dying has been debated in Government, with contributions from Suffolk MPs.

The debate was held yesterday afternoon in Westminster Hall after nearly 210,000 people backed a petition calling on the Government to change the law.

The recurring theme, last debated in 2022, saw two differing contributions from Suffolk MPs — Matt Hancock, who represents the West Suffolk constituency, and Therese Coffey, representing Suffolk Coastal.

Mr Hancock said: "We know suicide happens and is twice as prevalent among those with a terminal illness.

"Yes, the safeguards are vital, but the people I want to have a choice are those facing a painful death when they know that death is coming."

The petition submitted to the Government argued terminally ill people who are mentally sound and near the end of their lives should not have to suffer against their will.

It read: "We believe dying people in the UK should have the option of requesting medical assistance to end their lives with dignity, through a safe and compassionate system with strict eligibility criteria and safeguards.

"Without this, too many are taking matters into their own hands with tragic consequences"

Mr Hancock voiced his support for the change in law and stressed MPs should be asked to vote in the House of Commons, provided protections for those with disabilities and mental health issues were included.

He added: "Making sure that all of us should have the choice when we know for certain we are facing such pain at the end that we can instead have a dignified and good death, and I know I would want that choice for myself."

It would not have been the first time a change of law concerning assisted dying was on the table, however, with it being last voted on in 2015, when a motion was defeated at the second reading stage by 330 votes to 118.

Ms Coffey, who voted against the bill in 2015 alongside her Suffolk colleagues James Cartlidge, Jo Churchill, Ben Gummer, and Peter Aldous, once again voiced her disagreements.

At the time Mr Hancock and Dan Poulter were absent from the vote.

Ms Coffey said although terminal illness was devastating for individuals, their families and their friends, a change in the law could still lead to vulnerable people being taken advantage of to end their lives early.

She added: "No one should feel such a burden on their family, their friends, and society that they should end their lives early.

"That is why today, while I will upset several of my constituents, I do hold a different view to them in this matter, and I will continue to want to make no change to the law and leave it as it stands."

Despite the growing number of signatures, as well as voiced support from several MPs for a change in the law, yesterday's debate does not mean anything will change as a bill needs to be introduced before a vote can be brought to the House of Commons.