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.
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.
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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The group Palestine Action said two members entered RAF Brize Norton on Wednesday and used electric scooters to approach the Voyager jets, which are used for air-to-air refuelling and transportation. The duo sprayed red paint into the planes' turbine engines with repurposed fire extinguishers and caused further damage with crowbars, according to the group, which released video footage appearing to show an individual approach a jet and spray paint into the engine. The activists left the base without being detained, Palestine Action said. The group said that "despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel US/Israeli fighter jets". It called the UK "an active participant in the Gaza genocide and war crimes across the Middle East". Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the "vandalism" as "disgraceful" in a post on X. Britain's defence ministry confirmed the incident, saying: "We strongly condemn this vandalism of Royal Air Force assets." Planes from Brize Norton, about 100km northwest of London, regularly fly to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, Britain's main air base for operations in the Middle East. The UK has sent more Typhoon fighter jets and Voyager tankers to Cyprus since the Israel-Iran war started a week ago for what Starmer called "contingency support". Iran has threatened to attack US, French and British bases in the region if those countries help Israel fend off Iranian strikes. The defence ministry and police are investigating. with Reuters British police are searching for suspects after pro-Palestinian activists claimed to have broken into a Royal Air Force Base and damaged two planes with red paint. The group Palestine Action said two members entered RAF Brize Norton on Wednesday and used electric scooters to approach the Voyager jets, which are used for air-to-air refuelling and transportation. The duo sprayed red paint into the planes' turbine engines with repurposed fire extinguishers and caused further damage with crowbars, according to the group, which released video footage appearing to show an individual approach a jet and spray paint into the engine. The activists left the base without being detained, Palestine Action said. The group said that "despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel US/Israeli fighter jets". It called the UK "an active participant in the Gaza genocide and war crimes across the Middle East". Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the "vandalism" as "disgraceful" in a post on X. Britain's defence ministry confirmed the incident, saying: "We strongly condemn this vandalism of Royal Air Force assets." Planes from Brize Norton, about 100km northwest of London, regularly fly to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, Britain's main air base for operations in the Middle East. The UK has sent more Typhoon fighter jets and Voyager tankers to Cyprus since the Israel-Iran war started a week ago for what Starmer called "contingency support". Iran has threatened to attack US, French and British bases in the region if those countries help Israel fend off Iranian strikes. The defence ministry and police are investigating. with Reuters British police are searching for suspects after pro-Palestinian activists claimed to have broken into a Royal Air Force Base and damaged two planes with red paint. The group Palestine Action said two members entered RAF Brize Norton on Wednesday and used electric scooters to approach the Voyager jets, which are used for air-to-air refuelling and transportation. The duo sprayed red paint into the planes' turbine engines with repurposed fire extinguishers and caused further damage with crowbars, according to the group, which released video footage appearing to show an individual approach a jet and spray paint into the engine. The activists left the base without being detained, Palestine Action said. The group said that "despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel US/Israeli fighter jets". It called the UK "an active participant in the Gaza genocide and war crimes across the Middle East". Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the "vandalism" as "disgraceful" in a post on X. Britain's defence ministry confirmed the incident, saying: "We strongly condemn this vandalism of Royal Air Force assets." Planes from Brize Norton, about 100km northwest of London, regularly fly to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, Britain's main air base for operations in the Middle East. The UK has sent more Typhoon fighter jets and Voyager tankers to Cyprus since the Israel-Iran war started a week ago for what Starmer called "contingency support". Iran has threatened to attack US, French and British bases in the region if those countries help Israel fend off Iranian strikes. The defence ministry and police are investigating. with Reuters
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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. In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances. 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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. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 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. 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. 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. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 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. 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. 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. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 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. 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. 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. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Perth Now
2 hours ago
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Warnings as UK bakes in the first heat wave of 2025
British health officials are warning people across the country to take precautions when out in the sun as the UK bakes under its first heat wave of 2025. Temperatures are expected to peak at 34C in some parts of eastern England on Saturday following a week of unusually warm weather, according to the national weather agency the Met Office. That is about 12C higher than normal for this time of year. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert covering all of England because of increased health risks for people over 65 and those with heart and lung problems. "Heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions," Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of the UKHSA, said in a statement. "It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbors who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun." Saturday is expected to be the hottest day of the heat wave, with temperatures falling slightly on Sunday and dropping back into the more normal temperatures next week, the Met Office said. The heat alert is currently scheduled to remain in effect until Monday morning. Unusually, temperatures in London this week have been higher than in many parts of Western Europe. That was because the high temperatures were not the result of hot air moving north from the Iberian Peninsula or North Africa as was often the case, the Met Office said. Instead, this weather system originated in air high over the Atlantic Ocean south of Greenland. As it approaches the UK, it descends toward ground level, causing it to warm rapidly, Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lenhert said. That said, it has been plenty hot in Europe, too. Aviation enthusiasts attending the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, this week sought the shade of a Boeing 777's wing, cooling off as temperatures hovered in the low 30s. Met Office scientists this week published research showing that climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme high temperatures in the UK. The chance of temperatures exceeding 40C was more than 20 times higher than it was in the 1960s, the researchers said.
