Assisted dying could become legal in England and Wales after MPs backed draft legislation by a majority of 55 in a historic vote. The proposed law will allow terminally ill adults who are expected to die within the next six months to seek help to end their life. The bill will now face scrutiny and potential amendment by MPs and peers. Both houses of Parliament must agree the resulting legislation before it becomes law.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, did not reveal how he was planning to vote in advance, saying he did not want to influence the decisions of MPs. He supported a change in the law relating to assisted dying in 2015 but did not speak during the debate. A leading opponent of the bill, Conservative MP Danny Kruger, argued that the proposed process for eligibility and approval could put pressure on candidates who are not adequately monitored.
MPs were given a free vote, but cabinet ministers were divided in their positions. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood opposed the bill. Fifteen cabinet members, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, voted in favour.
Campaigners supporting assisted dying celebrated the vote and gathered outside Parliament. Campaigners against the legislation also protested on the site, expressing concerns over the potential impact on vulnerable or disabled candidates.
If passed into law, candidates will have to exhibit the mental capacity to make an informed decision about ending their life. The bill prescribes strict safeguards against coercion or pressure to ensure the candidate’s decision is voluntary. Two doctors and a High Court judge will have to agree that the candidate is eligible. The bill’s sponsor, Kim Leadbeater MP, said that although the legislation needed improvement, it should not be at the expense of a candidate’s choice
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