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On Tuesday evening, the Senedd in Wales took a significant step toward enabling assisted dying services within the NHS following a crucial vote. After a highly charged debate, the Welsh parliament agreed to give its consent to Westminster legislation that would permit terminally ill individuals to access medically assisted death. This groundbreaking bill, currently under consideration in the House of Lords, aims to legalize assisted dying throughout England and Wales if ultimately passed.
The approval from Cardiff Bay was necessary because the legislation grants the Welsh Government the authority to determine the specific regulations for assisted dying services in Wales. However, notable politicians such as First Minister Eluned Morgan and Health Secretary Jeremy Miles opposed the motion. Rejecting it would have meant that assisted dying could only be provided by private entities in Wales, excluding the NHS altogether.
Despite some members raising concerns about the legislative process, including the Senedd’s lack of power to decide whether assisted dying should be legalized in the first place, the consent motion passed with 28 votes in favor, 23 against, and two abstentions. A Plaid Cymru amendment calling for a full constitutional review of the bill’s implications for Wales was supported, but another proposal to give the Senedd complete control over the issue failed. Members also voiced unease over voting on the matter while the House of Lords continues to debate numerous amendments.
Looking ahead, the legislation’s fate now depends heavily on the House of Lords, where supporters worry the bill could face serious challenges because of the extensive changes being proposed. If the UK Parliament passes the law, the incoming Welsh Government after the May elections will need to seek Senedd approval for the specific rules governing assisted dying services in Wales. The vote laid bare some divisions within parties: while most Labour and Plaid Cymru MSs supported the consent motion, several ministers and party members opposed it. The debate featured strong opinions on both sides, reflecting the sensitive and complex nature of the issue moving forward
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