Coalville councillor Craig Smith says that the recent debate over the Assisted Dying Bill - which recently passed its second reading in Parliament - had a personal significance for him.

The Leicestershire County councillor for Coalville North says his father's illness left him with an understanding of the issue.

He said: "As someone who holds pro-life values, I grappled deeply with the Assisted Dying Bill.

"The bill would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with a prognosis of six months or less, to seek medical assistance to end their lives, provided stringent safeguards are met. 

"These include approvals from two independent doctors and a High Court judge, as well as a mandatory reflection period.

"Reflecting on my father's agonising and prolonged death during my teenage years, I understand the profound suffering that can accompany terminal illness. 

"Watching him endure pain that even the best palliative care couldn't fully alleviate left an indelible mark on me. That experience compels me to support the bill in principle, as I believe it offers a compassionate option for those enduring unbearable suffering.

"This is a deeply personal, emotional, and complex issue, and I commend our MP for taking a measured approach to such a monumental decision. This is likely the most serious decision most MPs will ever face entirely a matter of conscience. 

"I know how diligently MPs of all political colours would have weighed every argument and every potential consequence. It's crucial that those on either side of the debate recognise that MPs made their decisions with the very best of motivations, seeking to balance compassion with the need for robust safeguards."

But Cllr Smith says there is a long way to go before anything is put in place.

He added: "It's important to emphasise that the bill has not yet passed. Clearing its second reading is a significant hurdle, but there are still many steps ahead. Given the size of the majority and comments from MPs, it's feasible albeit unlikely that the bill could fail at the third reading. Even if it clears the Commons, the House of Lords may seek to block or amend it significantly. This remains a live debate, not a settled matter.

"If the bill does proceed, its implementation must be subject to the highest level of scrutiny. Safeguards must be watertight to protect vulnerable individuals from coercion or undue influence. Equally, the processes for approval, oversight, and review must be robust, transparent, and adaptable to future learnings.

"The debate has been polarising. Proponents argue that the bill restores dignity and autonomy to terminally ill patients, granting them control over their dying process. Critics, however, voice concerns about societal pressures on the elderly or disabled and the adequacy of the safeguards. These concerns are valid and must be taken seriously through rigorous monitoring and review.

"This bill is not about choosing death over life but about empowering individuals to make their own decisions in the face of unbearable suffering. While my father's experience drives my personal support, I recognise the immense responsibility Parliament carries in ensuring this is done with compassion, caution, and care.

"This bill is not the end of the conversation, it is the beginning. The discussions in both Houses, and the measures that follow, will determine whether this legislation can meet its noble intent without unintended harm. It's a challenge we must approach with sensitivity, resolve, and humanity."