THE TERMINALLY ILL ADULTS (End of Life) BILL, spearheaded by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, has passed its second reading in the House of Commons with a majority of 55 votes. A historic 330 MPs supported the measure, while 275 opposed it.
The bill proposes allowing terminally ill adults with less than six months to live the option to seek medical assistance to end their lives. Following Friday’s (Nov 29) vote, the legislation will now progress to the committee stage for detailed scrutiny. It will also be debated in the House of Lords before potentially becoming law.
MPs divided over assisted dying
The vote was conducted as a free vote, enabling MPs to act according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves were among those who backed the proposal. However, other senior figures, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, voted against it, citing concerns over coercion and fears of a “slippery slope” towards euthanasia.
A five-hour debate in the Commons saw emotional arguments on both sides. Former Conservative minister Andrew Mitchell shared his shift in perspective, recounting the moving stories of constituents who watched loved ones suffer “in great pain and indignity.”
In contrast, Labour veteran Diane Abbott expressed concerns that the bill could pressure vulnerable individuals, stating: “Sick people may feel like a burden on society.” She warned that passing the bill could see the NHS become “a fully-funded 100% suicide service,” while palliative care remains underfunded.
‘Choice and dignity’ at the heart of the bill
Introducing the bill, Ms Leadbeater emphasised the importance of giving terminally ill patients “choice, autonomy, and dignity,” arguing the current law is failing them.
“This is about ensuring that those who are dying are afforded the care and respect they deserve,” she said, highlighting the bill’s stringent safeguards.
Under the proposed law, two independent doctors and a high-court judge must approve each case. Additionally, patients would need to self-administer the medication, ensuring their consent is clear and voluntary. The bill also imposes a 14-year prison sentence for anyone found to have coerced a person into seeking assisted dying.
Supporters rally outside Parliament
Outside the Commons, campaigners from Dignity in Dying held a demonstration in support of the bill. Protesters called for legal changes to provide terminally ill individuals with greater control over their end-of-life choices.
The debate continues to divide public opinion, but Friday’s vote marks a significant step towards potentially changing the law in England and Wales.
The legislation will now undergo further examination in committee and will face additional debate in the House of Lords. Both sides of the debate are preparing for intense scrutiny of the proposed safeguards and ethical implications.
