British MPs begin crunch debate on assisted dying
British MPs have begun a crunch debate on a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, before a vote that could be one of the most consequential social policy decisions they will ever make.
The conscience vote, which is due to take place about 2.30pm (11.30pm AEST) on Friday, is expected to be extremely close, with those on both sides of the issue voicing confidence.
As things stand, proponents of so-called assisted dying have the edge.
When MPs last voted on the issue in November, those backing assisted dying won by 330 votes to 275.
Since then, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which is being shepherded through parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater rather than the government.
Pleased to hear the Prime Minister acknowledge how much debate there's been on the Terminally Ill Adults Bill & confirm his long-standing position for a change in the law.Proud to have worked cross-party on this safe, compassionate Bill rooted in dignity, safeguards & choice. https://t.co/JZst0JBE6S
— Kim Leadbeater MBE MP (@kimleadbeater) June 18, 2025
In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances.
"Not supporting the bill today is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo," she said.
"And it fills me with despair to think MPs could be here in another 10 years' time hearing the same stories."
Proponents of the bill argue those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives.
However, opponents say the disabled and older people could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members.
Others have called for improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering as a better and more moral alternative.
The assisted dying bill is not fit for purpose"We should only cross that Rubicon with the toughest of safeguards and yet the bill is now weaker than ever"https://t.co/gPgrVnE1gv
— Diane Abbott (@HackneyAbbott) June 20, 2025
Diane Abbott, a veteran left-wing Labour MP, urged MPs to "speak up for the voiceless one more time, because there is no doubt that if this bill is passed in its current form, people will lose their lives who do not need to, and they will be amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society".
Passions were running high outside parliament, where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard.
Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase "Campaign for Dignity in Dying", while opponents held up banners urging MPs not to make the state-run National Health Service the "National Suicide Service".
The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967.
The bill would allow terminally ill adults aged over 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death.
The terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves.
Proponents say wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die.
The outcome of the vote is unclear, as some MPs who backed the bill earlier did so only on the proviso there would be changes made.
Some who backed the bill are disappointed by the changes, while others say parliament has not been given enough time to debate the issues.
Friday's vote is not the end of the matter. The legislation would then go to the House of Lords, which can delay and amend policy.
There is no consensus in the cabinet about the measure.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will back the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, is opposed, but said he would respect the outcome.
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