Sheffield residents have had their say on how their MPs voted and whether it aligns with their personal beliefs on assisted dying.

A week after the vote constituents have a better understanding of where their representatives stand regarding this significant and deeply debated legislation.

Savanna Cockerill of Sheffield Hallam said: “I think it is a step in the right direction for allowing patients with terminal illnesses to get the end of life they prefer rather than deteriorating and waiting to die further down the line.” 

The MP for Sheffield Hallam, Olivia Blake, voted in favour of the Bill.

The Bill is to allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life.

It was introduced by MP Kim Leadbeater and passed its second reading in the House of Commons on 29 November 2024, in a vote of 330 to 275. The Bill is currently at the committee stage.

Hugo Van Nierkerk of Sheffield Central said: “I am personally for assisted dying but can completely see how the vulnerable and elderly people of society would feel a burden.”

Sheffield Central MP, Abtisam Mohamed, was one of the two Sheffield MPs who voted against the Bill.

There has been a mixture of support and opposition in Sheffield with a split in vote from the six local MPs, with four of the MPs voting in favour and two voting against.

Terminally ill patients seeking an assisted death would need a prognosis of less than six months to live. The process would require approval from two independent doctors and a High Court judge to ensure all criteria are met and safeguards are upheld.