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Westminster operates on a system where power is often wielded through patronage, party loyalty, warnings, threats, and arm-twisting. Whipping, the discipline and enforcement of voting within parties, is a crucial component of the British political landscape. However, despite its significance, MPs have been granted unprecedented freedom in two major debates this week.
The House of Commons recently made a monumental decision to decriminalize abortion in England and Wales, marking a transformative shift in reproductive rights after nearly six decades. Additionally, MPs are set to deliberate on legalizing assisted dying, a contentious issue that intersects healthcare and justice systems, posing numerous legal and ethical quandaries. Both topics are designated as “conscience votes” or “free votes,” allowing MPs to follow their personal convictions rather than adhere to party directives.
Support for altering abortion laws displayed a substantial majority of 242 in favor. In contrast, the assisted dying debate is tightly contested, with a mere 55-person majority in the previous vote. Notably, some MPs have reportedly reconsidered their stance on the matter, causing a split in opinions even among cabinet members. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, staunch opponents of assisted dying, may find themselves tasked with implementing the change if it is enacted.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has tactfully distanced himself from influencing these contentious debates, despite his known support for both policies. In acknowledging women’s right to safe and legal abortion, his stance remains unwavering. Similarly, Starmer has previously voiced support for some form of assisted dying legislation, hinting at his forthcoming vote in favor of the law change. The impending decisions have presented a unique challenge for politicians, offering some a sense of liberation and excitement while unsettling others who grapple with the solitude of independent decision-making
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