The MP for Farnham & Bordon has explained why he voted against an historic bill that has paved the way for assisted legalised dying in the UK.

Gregory Stafford is not convinced that safeguards in The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill are “sufficient to prevent abuses or unintended consequences”.

The bill proposed by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater was backed by parliament last Friday by 330 to 275 after a five-hour debate.

Our local MPs were split in the free vote with Mr Stafford and his East Hampshire counterpart, Damian Hinds, voting ‘no’ while Jeremy Hunt (Godalming & Ash) and Danny Chambers (Winchester) both backed the bill.

The vote agrees in principle that assisted dying should become legal in the UK for those with a terminal illness, but there will be further scrutiny and examination before it returns to Westminster and ultimately becomes law.

Mr Stafford asked constituents to share their views ahead of the vote with 745 people emailing his office.

The “vast majority” were against the bill while the Tory also weighed up briefings from doctors, medical experts and his own healthcare background to make a decision.

He said: “I have witnessed the complexities of death, diagnosis, and the critical role of palliative care in end-of-life situations.

“These experiences reaffirm my belief that any change in the law must be underpinned by robust safeguards to protect the vulnerable.

“After serious examination of the Bill, I am not convinced that its safeguards are sufficient to prevent abuses or unintended consequences.

“I agree with the Health Secretary that the priority should be improving access to high-quality palliative and social care. I will continue to advocate for this as the most compassionate and secure way forward for all.”

Alex Baker (Aldershot) and Andrew Griffith (Arundel & South Downs) were against the bill.