The MP for West Dunbartonshire has confirmed he will be voting against the assisted dying bill currently going through Westminster, citing "safeguarding" concerns.

The Bill would give people the right to request to be helped to end their life if they are terminally ill and have less than six months to live.

Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater, introduced the Terminally Ill Adults [End of Life] Bill which is being voted on for the first time, on Friday, this week.

The Bill, if it becomes law, will only apply in England and Wales but Scottish MPs still get to vote on it.

There are differing points of view on the proposed policy with some agreeing with Kim Leadbeater believing it is a person’s right if they are terminally ill and enduring pain with no expectation of recovery.

Others, including a number religious leaders and faith groups, argue it could lead to people feeling hey have a "duty to die" and call for more investment in palliative care.

Douglas McAllister MP says his concerns over the proposed legislation include the Bill's "inability to prevent coercion".

He said: "I do acknowledge the torment of many constituents suffering from terminal illness or relatives and loved ones who have cared for those suffering from a terminal illness and the pain and indignity on the route to end of life. 

"However, the proposed legislation would allow doctors to assist someone with their death, I would prefer doctors and the medical profession in our NHS to be given greater support to assist patients towards death rather than effecting their death.

"St Margaret’s of Scotland Hospice in West Dunbartonshire provides quite outstanding palliative care.

"This is my preferred model and one which as a parliament and a nation, we should spend more time debating with a view to funding. 

"Another objection I have is irrespective of its current proposed safeguards, is its potential to be extended in future years to include other categories of patients and not just those who have a diagnosis of less than six months of life. 

"I am also concerned in relation to the Bill’s inability to prevent coercion and as a Member of Parliament, it is incumbent upon me to protect vulnerable people."

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The law would require two doctors to agree the person is eligible for assisted dying and one must appear before a High Court judge.

Labour MPs have been given a free vote on the matter with no official party line.

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister, has said he is in favour of changing the law.

However, McAllister feels the proposed legislation requires more scrutiny.

He continued: "I feel the current Private Members Bill has too many flaws and weaknesses, and in fact, has been rushed towards a vote without adequate scrutiny. 

"Finally, the proposed legislation to allow doctors to assist a patient to die would radically alter the relationship between doctor and patient and this is not a step I wish to endorse.