MPs back controversial legislation 314-291 as terminally ill Britons move step closer to right to die
MPs have voted to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales in a landmark decision that will allow terminally ill adults to end their own lives.
In extraordinary scenes at Westminster, the House of Commons backed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill by 314 votes to 291 – a majority of just 23 – in what many MPs described as the most important vote of their careers.
The historic decision means the controversial legislation will now move to the House of Lords for further scrutiny, bringing Britain one step closer to joining countries like Canada, the Netherlands and parts of the United States in allowing assisted dying.
SLIM MAJORITY IN NAIL-BITING VOTE
The razor-thin majority of 23 was even slimmer than the 55-vote margin when MPs first backed the principle of assisted dying last November, showing how divisive the issue remains.
The vote came after an emotionally-charged debate that saw MPs on both sides make impassioned pleas, with many sharing deeply personal stories about loved ones’ deaths.
Bill sponsor Kim Leadbeater declared her legislation was “cogent” and “workable”, with “one simple thread running through it – the need to correct the profound injustices of the status quo and to offer a compassionate and safe choice to terminally ill people who want to make it.”
WHAT THE LAW WILL ALLOW
The groundbreaking legislation would permit terminally ill adults in England and Wales with fewer than six months to live to apply for an assisted death, subject to strict safeguards including:
- Approval by two independent doctors
- Assessment by an expert panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist
- The person must have mental capacity to make the decision
- They must self-administer the life-ending medication
Recent amendments have also banned advertising of assisted dying services and prohibited medical professionals from discussing the option with anyone under 18.
DAME PRUE LEADS CELEBRITY BACKING
Outside Parliament, Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith was among high-profile supporters making their voices heard as the crucial vote took place.
Jenny Carruthers, who was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in 2020, told ITV News with tears in her eyes: “Everything rides on this bill moving forwards. My heart… I don’t know, it’s in my mouth…”
Polling shows around three quarters of the British public support the change, according to campaign group Dignity in Dying.
‘HISTORIC STEP’ SAY CAMPAIGNERS
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, hailed the vote as “historic”, saying: “The House of Commons has taken a historic step towards meeting the aspirations of the public, who overwhelmingly support having choice, dignity, and compassion at the end of their lives.
He added: “MPs have finally recognised the fact that assisted dying is already happening in this country. People are travelling to Switzerland if they have the money and mobility to do so. Others are dying in traumatic circumstances by suicide.”
My Death, My Decision spokesperson said: “This is a day for the history books, where facts have prevailed over fear. Today’s vote reflects what the British public has known for years, that everyone deserves the right to choose a compassionate death.
MEDICAL PROFESSION DIVIDED
The vote came despite fierce opposition from many in the medical profession. Just days ago, around 1,000 doctors wrote to MPs warning the bill was “simply not safe” and posed “a real threat to both patients and the medical workforce.
The Royal College of Physicians said it believes there are “concerning deficiencies” in the legislation, while the Royal College of Psychiatrists said it has “serious concerns” and cannot support the Bill.
However, other medical professionals backed the change, with TV doctor Hilary Jones describing assisted dying for the terminally ill as “kind and compassionate.”
STARMER BACKS CHANGE
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer voted in favour of the legislation, along with 13 members of his Cabinet including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
However, the issue split the government, with Deputy PM Angela Rayner, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Health Secretary Wes Streeting all voting against.
The vote was a free vote, meaning MPs could vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The bill will now proceed to the House of Lords, where peers will conduct further scrutiny and could make amendments.
If it passes through the Lords, any changes would need to be approved by the Commons before the legislation could receive Royal Assent and become law.
Implementation would not be immediate – the legislation includes a four-year timeframe from Royal Assent before any assisted dying service could begin operating.
SCOTLAND MOVING FORWARD TOO
The vote comes as similar legislation progresses in Scotland, where MSPs recently backed the principle of assisted dying at the first stage. The Isle of Man and Jersey are also considering legalising assisted dying.
National Secular Society spokesperson said: “A bill to legalise the choice of assisted dying has cleared the House of Commons in a landmark vote today… The National Secular Society has for many years supported campaigns for reform of the existing law on assisted dying.
For supporters, today marks a historic victory after years of campaigning. For opponents, the fight continues as the bill heads to the Lords.
But one thing is certain – Britain has taken a decisive step towards allowing terminally ill people to choose how and when they die.
