Labour MP Jake Richards has said that he is "really pleased" following the historic Commons vote to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its third reading by 314 votes to 291, a majority of 23, marking a watershed moment for assisted dying legislation in England and Wales.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who brought forward the Private Member's Bill, was seen crying in the chamber as the result was announced.
Richards told GB News: "I'm really pleased. This is a profound moment. And for thousands of people, including many of my constituents, who have campaigned and fought for this change in the law for many, many years. However, this is not a celebration.
Labour MP Jake Richards said he welcomes the historic change
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"We're very aware there are other people, including constituents of mine, who are really worried about this change, who are against this, and we need to bring the country together now.
"And as this bill goes to the House of Lords, where there'll be further amendments and hopefully further strengthening of those safeguards.
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"I hope people can be reassured that this bill is really rigorous. The Government will have four years to implement it, to make sure it's safe.
"But yes, on a personal level, obviously, to be involved in a small way, in really profound social change is a really important moment for me."
The legislation includes a four-year implementation period, meaning assisted dying could become available in 2029.
The bill would permit terminally ill adults with fewer than six months to live to apply for an assisted death, subject to strict safeguards.
Campaigners in favour of the Assisted Dying BillGETTYApplications would require approval from two doctors and an expert panel comprising a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.
Leadbeater has consistently maintained that the legislation contains "the most robust safeguards of any assisted dying laws in the world."
During Friday's debate, she argued that opposing the bill "is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo."
WATCH: Assisted Dying Bill passes in the House of Commons
She warned MPs that rejection would mean revisiting the issue in another decade, saying "that fills me with despair."
The Commons last debated assisted dying in 2015, when proposals were defeated by 330 votes to 118.
Public support for the change remains strong, with a recent YouGov poll showing 73 per cent of respondents backing the bill.
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