MPs have backed plans to legalise assisted dying despite fears it could create a “state suicide service.”
The proposed law cleared its first parliamentary hurdle after MPs voted 330 to 275, majority 55, to approve it at second reading.
The Prime Minister, who had stayed silent on his views ahead of the free vote, backed the legislation.
But his Cabinet was deeply split on the issue – with Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, David Lammy, Shabana Mahmood, Bridget Phillipson, Jonathan Reynolds, Annaliese Dodds and Darren Jones voting against.
Supporters argue the proposals, which apply to terminally ill adults with less than six months to live, will give people greater control at the end of their live
The landmark vote came after hours of emotional exchanges, with more than 160 MPs vying to speak on the controversial issue.
Labour MP Kim Leadbetter, who introduced the Bill, argued it was time to tackle the difficult subject of end-of-life care, calling the debate “long overdue.”
She described the Assisted Dying Bill as a compassionate choice for those facing unbearable suffering, insisting it offers a holistic approach alongside palliative care.
She said: “This Bill will give society a much better approach towards end of life.
Meanwhile, opposition to the Bill was fierce. With many MP’s believing it amounts to the state letting down the vulnerable. So, this is stage one but there is still a long way to go.
Such a law has moved a step closer to being passed – but it is only one step along a path likely to last many months. Even then, the legislation could take two years to come into force.
There are still many parliamentary hurdles the Terminally Ill (End of Life) Bill must clear before it becomes law, with five stages handled by MPs and five more by peers, and further rounds of voting.
