MPS across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole cast their votes on whether or not to give people the right to choose to end their lives.

On Friday, November 29, MPs voted in favour of a bill that would legalise assisted dying for people who are terminally ill in England and Wales.

The ayes in support of the bill were 330, and those against it were 275. The bill will now proceed to its next Commons stage.

The majority of BCP and Dorset MPs voted in favour of the bill; however, two out of eight voted against it, and one MP's vote was not recorded.

Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, who voted in favour, said: “We should all have a choice at the end of life- both where we die and also how.

“There must be access to palliative support for all those who need it and ways to prevent coercion and to allow people to change their mind, just as we do for those who have a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ order.

“I have read the bill, and it does all of these things.”

Poole MP Neil Duncan Jordan also voted in favour, backing the right for adults with less than six months to live to choose to prematurely end their lives.

Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes announced the day before the vote that he would be supporting the bill.

In a video posted to social media, he said: “As your MP, I’m voting on the words in the bill as it stands because I think you should vote on what is in front of you.

“I am also voting on what this bill could become as it moves through Parliament and is debated further.

“I will be voting to legalise what has already effectively been decriminalised, extends choice does not limit it, and give fairness of access, regardless of income.”

Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West’s vote was not recorded, as she was unable to attend the vote.

 However, she shared her views on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill ahead of a Parliamentary vote.

Mrs Toale said: “I am supportive of the Bill. This has not been an easy decision to come to, and I’d like to thank everyone who shared their thoughts with me, which have helped inform me of my position.

“Should this Bill pass this stage, there will be future readings which I plan to attend and vote in.”

Christchurch’s MP, Sir Christopher Chope, voted against the bill.