Today, the Assisted Dying Bill will be returning to Parliament for its final vote in the Commons. Since this Bill was proposed, I have heard from hundreds of local people, carefully examined the provisions of the legislation, listened to the views of experts, and reflected on my own professional experience as a doctor.

Let me start by saying that as someone who has lost someone in a very painful way, due to a terminal illness, I do truly understand why it is so important we debate this issue, with compassion and understanding. Each and every one of us will lose someone special to us at some point and every experience is unique. That is why there are, of course, deeply felt spiritual, philosophical and moral views and opinions held by individuals on both sides of this debate. I would like to thank all those who have expressed their opinions to me in a thoughtful and respectful manner, regardless of the positions they have taken. 

At the last vote in November last year, after much thought, reflection and engagement with the community I represent, I decided to vote against the Bill. Despite my reservations, I had hoped that efforts would be made to improve safeguards against coercion and abuse in the Bill during Committee stage. Regrettably, since then, important safeguards have been watered down or entirely dropped from the Bill. Efforts to add further safeguards through amendments to the Bill have also been voted down. I also share the concerns that have been raised by the Royal Colleges of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Physicians.

High-quality and properly funded palliative care must always be protected and enhanced. With years of underfunding and an incredible workforce overstretched, I fear assisted dying may be considered by some to be an alternative to a well-supported palliative care option. Regardless of the outcome of today’s vote, I will continue to advocate for improvements to palliative care, which can empower many individuals at the end of their lives, to enjoy their last moments with loved ones with comfort and peace of mind.

As I said before the previous vote, it is clear that colleagues across Parliament have decided their vote with compassion, sensitivity and empathy, no matter which side they are on. It is right that this Bill is being considered under a free vote, where every MP can vote with their conscience. I am glad that Parliament has had the opportunity to have an important and constructive debate. In my role as an MP, I do feel that while many would benefit from a change in legislation, I also need to represent those who are vulnerable to coercion and abuse in what I see to be legislation that is lacking in the appropriate safeguards. 

For these reasons, I will be voting against the Bill today. Regardless of your view, I know this is a sensitive and often painful subject for us all. Again, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts and views on this.

Recently, St George's Hospital announced that as many as 83 beds at the hospital are set to close. At a time when this new Labour Government is making progress on reducing the NHS waiting list, this feels as though it is a step in the wrong direction. Like many across our community, I share the deep concerns regarding this development.

In response to this news, I have written directly to Jacqueline Totterdell, Chief Executive of the St George's and Epsom and St Helier hospitals group, to raise my reservations, and I have raised a question directly to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in Parliament. This question can be found online here. 

Rest assured, I will continue to monitor developments on this closely and I will always stand up for our NHS.

​Yesterday, Israel allowed only 5 aid trucks to enter Gaza. 

5 trucks for over 2m people – more than Northern Ireland’s entire population. 

The weaponisation of food is morally reprehensible. We must impose an arms embargo and sanction the Israeli officials that are responsible.

I am proud that our petition for a lift at Tooting Broadway Stn has been signed by over 1,300 people. Whether you're in a wheelchair, pushing a buggy or have lots of luggage, a lift would be helpful for all!

​Read more here!

​It makes absolute sense that we should work with our European allies with whom we have shared security, trade and economic interests. 

It is right for the Government to forge closer ties with our counterparts on the continent.

Today, I was on ​Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg to discuss the UK-EU Summit.

​Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

We must never forget the struggle that many in our society still face for acceptance, and continue to push for equality and rights for all.

I was proud to launch the APPG on Emergency Care in Parliament today.

With over 16,600 lives lost last year due to long A&E waits, we must ensure emergency care is at the front of Government plans to improve our NHS.

I am pleased to be working with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine to demand change.

I am proud to have signed a Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East joint letter, alongside many Labour colleagues calling for the Government to recognise Palestine.

A sustainable peace can only be achieved through a two-state solution, with a free and independent Palestine and a secure Israel.

Really constructive conversations with Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor of London about building a lift at Tooting Broadway Station. We discussed complexities of the project and desire from the local community for step-free access.