Peterborough’s Labour MPs have been split over the merits of the assisted dying bill which has brought back to the House of Commons.

MPs voted by just 16 votes on September 11 to reject the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill which was reintroduced to the Commons just five months after a near identical Bill was timed out in the House of Lords.

However, after a five-hours-long debate, the Bill was opposed by 270 votes to 286 in the Commons.

It is understood the new Bill had just two changes to the original.

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes, left, and North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling are split over the new assisted dying bill that is passing through the House of Commons

placeholder image — Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes, left, and North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling are split over the new assisted dying bill that is passing through the House of Commons

North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling, who voted in favour of the Bill, said: “I remain supportive of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

He said: “I strongly believe that our existing laws place terminally ill people, and their families and friends, in a really difficult position.

"While palliative care plays an important role, it cannot alleviate the suffering for everyone in their final few months.

Mr Carling added: “This Bill is about giving people who are already terminally ill agency, control and dignity through choice towards the end of their life.”

But Peterborough Andrew Pakes, who voted against the Bill, stated in a social media post: “With all my heart I have read the emails and letters from constituents on all sides of the debate.

“But I cannot vote for a bill when I have such concerns about safeguards and its implications for the NHS.

He added: “My focus will be on improving palliative care and supporting the hospices and others to provide care and support.

“I still feel the current bill is not right.