THE MP for Hexham said he will vote in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill this week.

Joe Morris, MP for Hexham's constituency, said he believes those living with terminal illness 'deserve to choose how to end their life and have dignity in doing so'.

For this week's column, Mr Morris said: "Over the weekend, Storm Bert caused significant disruption with heavy snow and strong winds. Within the constituency, we saw major travel disruptions with flights diverted from Newcastle Airport and local rail services also being impacted. I encourage anyone affected by these issues or by further harsh weather conditions throughout winter to reach out to my office for support and want to thank everyone who took action to help their neighbours out."

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"Last Friday (November 22) I visited Allendale Community Fire Station and had the pleasure of speaking to the volunteers about how I can best support local stations like these and the challenges they face operating in a rural community.

"Like many other constituents, they raised the issue of affordable housing with me. This is a problem I am committed to working closely with local housing providers and the Government to solve. They are also currently on the lookout for more Community Fire Fighters so please do reach out to them if you live in Allendale and are willing and able to help.

"One of the highlights of my week was visiting Hexham Middle School – a school I attended when I was younger. Meeting the passionate students to talk about issues important to them – from climate change to transport – was a privilege.

"It was also fantastic to attend the Christmas light switch-on in Hexham and see our community together and at its best with musical performances from local schools and real excitement in the air for the upcoming holiday season. I am thoroughly looking forward to getting some more time in the constituency over Christmas recess to attend the community events that we all know and love. 

"Last week in Parliament, I held a successful Westminster Hall debate on tourism in Northumberland which I was glad to see attended by my fellow Northumberland MP, Emma Foody. We enjoyed a discussion on the need for increased investment in Northumberland's roads and transport to make the county more accessible for tourists and ensure local infrastructure can withstand a lively tourist economy.

"I know our North East Mayor is a keen believer in the tourism capabilities of this region with plans announced earlier this year to double tourism in the North East by 2034 and create 25,000 new jobs for local people. I look forward to seeing how we can work together to make this a reality.

"As many of you will have heard in the news, this Friday (November 29) the Assisted Dying Bill will have its second reading with debate throughout the day followed by voting in the evening, making this the most significant move forward for assisted dying since 2015. The Private Member’s Bill which was introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater advocates for the legalisation of assisted dying under strict safeguards. 

"This bill is based on a highly complex and sensitive issue with valid opinions on both sides of the debate. As such, this will be a conscience vote with MPs able to vote as they wish without being influenced by their party either way. 

"I personally believe that those living with terminal illness should not be expected to live in pain, they deserve to choose how to end their life and have dignity in doing so. However, a change in the law to allow assisted dying must have significant safeguards in place and not overshadow the need for high-quality palliative care.

"Having thoroughly read the draft of the bill, I believe that the necessary safeguards would be in place to protect vulnerable people. I will therefore be voting in favour of this bill on Friday."