STORY
MPs in the House of Commons have voted to support the legalisation of assisted dying for terminally ill adults, in a historic and closely watched decision that marks a major shift in UK end-of-life policy. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its second reading by 314 votes to 291, following a lengthy and often emotional debate. The bill allows mentally competent adults in England and Wales who are expected to live for less than six months to seek medical assistance in ending their lives.
Introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, the bill sets out strict safeguards. Patients would need approval from two independent doctors, and final authorisation would be granted by a multidisciplinary panel comprising a psychiatrist, a social worker and a senior legal official. The vote was conducted on a free vote basis, with MPs not bound by party lines. Prime Minister Keir Starmer voted in favour of the bill, along with several senior cabinet ministers. However, others including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner opposed it or abstained, reflecting a split across the government.
Supporters of the bill described the outcome as a compassionate step forward that would provide dignity and choice to people facing the end of life. Outside Parliament, campaigners in favour of the bill welcomed the result with visible relief and celebration. Opponents raised concerns over the risks to vulnerable individuals, with some religious groups and disability rights organisations arguing the bill could undermine trust in the healthcare system. Others warned it could pressure people into ending their lives prematurely due to inadequate palliative care.
The bill will now proceed to the House of Lords, where further scrutiny and possible amendments are expected. If it ultimately becomes law, implementation could take several years as regulatory frameworks and professional guidelines are developed. This is the first time the Commons has voted in favour of an assisted dying bill, signalling a potentially transformative moment in the UK’s approach to end-of-life care.