Here is where Shropshire's MPs stand over this week's assisted dying bill vote
The county's MPs have been giving their views over this week's landmark, controversial vote on the proposed assisted dying bill.
Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater’s legislation will come before the Commons on Friday, in the first debate and vote of its kind in the House since 2015.
Members will be given a free vote on the issue, allowing them to make a decision according to their own conscience rather than in line with party policy.
Supporters of the bill are optimistic that it has enough backing for the legislation to pass the first Commons hurdle, but the result will not be known until a division list is published after the vote, showing which way MPs voted.
Proponents say existing legislation fails to respect patient autonomy and discriminates financially between those who can afford to travel abroad to legally end their lives and those who cannot.
Many of those opposed to a law change have voiced concern about the potential for coercion and 'mission creep', and say the legislation has been rushed.
While some of Shropshire's five MPs are clear in their position, others say they are yet to decide.
Stuart Anderson, Conservative MP for South Shropshire, thanked constituents for writing to him over the issue, and said: "I will be opposing the bill, while appreciating the strong feelings on both sides of this debate and understanding the pain of watching a loved one suffer.
"We should treat all human life with equality and sanctity, so I do not want the law to treat anyone differently because of illness. Safeguards could never be strong enough to prevent vulnerable people from feeling coerced into dying. I am also concerned about the scope of assisted dying being extended, as has been the case elsewhere.
"A large majority of palliative care doctors oppose prescribing drugs to assist with dying, and many are concerned with the NHS’s ability to safely implement these proposals. Research sadly shows that when a country legalises assisted dying, improving of end-of-life care slows - I want our focus to be on giving the very best medical care to those who are unwell."
