MPs have voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill which would in certain circumstances legalise assisted dying in England and Wales.
After some last minute concerns by those in favour of the cause, the bill passed with a majority of just 23 votes with 314 MPs voted for the bill against 291 rejecting it, a smaller majority than in November 2024 when 330 MPs voted in favour of the bill at its first reading to 275 against.
A three hour debate preceded the vote during which those on both sides of the debate made their case. Prime Minster Sir Keir Starmer, former prime minister Rishi Sunak, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and shadow chancellor Mel Stride all voted in favour of the bill.
When the time came his name appeared among those voting aye, alongside his predecessor in 10 Downing Street, Rishi Sunak. was also joined by her opposite number – shadow chancellor Mel Stride. Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch voted against bill, as did Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner as parties gave free choice to MPs. Tellingly both Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood voted against the bill; both of whom would be instrumental in its implementation if it were to progress.
Campaigners against assisted dying say the slim majority gives them hope further scrutiny could change the tide. The bill now moves to the House of Lords where it will be further scrutinised.
Introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, the content of the proposals have undergone significant change since October 2024. In its current form terminally ill people may end their life if they:
- are over 18, live in England or Wales, and have been registered with a GP for at least 12 months
- have the mental capacity to make the choice and be deemed to have expressed a clear and informed wish, free from coercion or pressure
- be expected to die within six months
- make two separate declarations, witnessed and signed, about their wish to die
- satisfy two independent doctors that they are eligible – with at least seven days between each assessment
Once approved, there is then a 14 day ‘cooling-off’ period before proceeding. A co-ordinating ‘medial practitioners with training, qualifications and experience’ yet to be specified would prepare the substance, the patient must be capable of administering the substance themselves. Any evidence of coercion could result in a 14-year prison sentence.
The move sees England and Wales take a step closer to legalising assisted dying, a debate which has been ongoing across the British Isles in recent years with the Isle of Mann becoming the first place to legalise assisted dying. Scotland and Jersey have both made progress on their own versions of assisted dying legislation.
