A bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales cleared its first parliamentary hurdle after MPs voted 330 to 275 in favour of the legislation.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, would allow terminally ill adults with six months to live to request medical assistance to end their lives.
The legislation, which passed with a majority of 55 in a free vote, will now move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny before facing additional parliamentary hurdles.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed the bill, whilst Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood opposed it, citing concerns about coercion of vulnerable people.
The bill requires approval from two independent doctors and a high court judge, with patients required to self-administer the drugs. It includes a 14-year maximum prison sentence for coercing someone into requesting assisted dying.
Conservative former minister Andrew Mitchell, who changed his stance after hearing constituents’ experiences, supported the measure. Labour MP Diane Abbott opposed it, warning it could pressure sick people to feel burdensome whilst palliative care remains underfunded.
Leadbeater, who holds her murdered sister Jo Cox’s former seat, said the legislation would undergo six months of scrutiny, followed by an 18-month implementation period if passed. Other prominent supporters included former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, whilst Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner voted against.
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