MPs vote in favour of legislation that would legalise assisted dying in the UK

It was the second reading of the terminally ill adults (end of life) bill, which would make assisted dying legal for terminally ill adults who are expected to die within six months and have the mental capacity to choose how they end their lives subject to tough safeguards.

The bill – called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – sets out detailed requirements in order to be eligible.

BREAKING: MPs have voted in favour of advancing legislation that would legalise assisted dying in a historic parliamentary vote.

Read more: https://t.co/Xn29uqMX6G

📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/jZf9M2s7ZP

— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 29, 2024

The ayes in support of the bill was 330, and those against were 275. The bill will now proceed to its next Commons stage.

The last Commons vote on this issue was in 2015. It was also a Private Members’ Bill and a free vote that was defeated by 331 to 119 – 199 MPs didn’t vote, and one abstained.

It was less than a decade ago, but over two-thirds of the 2015 MPs are no longer in parliament.

Earlier today, Conservative MP Neil Shastri-Hurst, who has worked as both a surgeon and a medical barrister, said he has “failed” patients, by not being able to give them “the death they deserve”.

What is in the bill?

This is subject to “safeguards and protections” which include:

• They must have a “clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life” and have reached this decision voluntarily, without coercion or pressure;
• They must have lived in England or Wales for 12 months and be registered with a GP;
• Two independent doctors must be satisfied the person meets the criteria and there must be at least seven days between the doctors making the assessments;
• If both doctors state the person is eligible, then they must apply to the High Court for approval of their request;
• If the High Court decides that the applicant meets the bill’s requirements, then there is a 14-day reflection period (or 48 hours if death is imminent);
• After this, the person must make a second declaration, which would have to be signed and witnessed by one doctor and another person.

Labour MP Rachel Hopkins said she supports the bill, seeing it as an opportunity to “change the status quo once and for all”.

Recommended reading:

The public has “overwhelming” support for the measure, Hopkins said, citing a poll that she says 75% were in favour of a change in the law.

If a person meets all these eligibility criteria, a life-ending “approved substance” would be prescribed.

This would be self-administered, so the individual wishing to die must take it themselves.