What's happened
The UK House of Commons has passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, allowing terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to seek assistance in ending their lives. The vote followed a five-hour debate, with 330 MPs in favor and 275 against. The bill now moves to the committee stage for amendments.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Holly Bancroft from The Independent highlights the mixed reactions among MPs, noting that while the bill passed, many expressed concerns about the lack of safeguards. She quotes Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who stated, 'there is absolutely still a lot of work to do' on the bill. In contrast, Tory MP Danny Kruger warned of a 'state suicide service' emerging from the legislation, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of amendments. The debate reflects a broader societal shift, with many campaigners advocating for the right to die with dignity, as noted by Bancroft. The Mirror's Tim Hanlon also underscores the urgency of the debate, stating that MPs have only five hours to discuss such a significant issue, which could redefine assisted dying in the UK.
How we got here
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater after previous similar legislation was defeated in 2015. The bill aims to provide terminally ill adults in England and Wales the option to end their lives with medical assistance, subject to strict safeguards.
Common question
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What is the Assisted Dying Bill and Why is it Important?
The Assisted Dying Bill, officially known as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, has sparked intense debate in the UK Parliament. As lawmakers vote on this landmark legislation, many are left wondering about its implications, public support, and the ethical concerns surrounding assisted dying. Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand this critical issue.
More on these topics
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Kim Michele Leadbeater MBE is a British Labour Party politician who has served as Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen since 2021.
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Shabana Mahmood is a British Labour Party politician and barrister serving as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Ladywood since 2010. She has served in the Shadow Cabinet of Keir Starmer as the Labour Party National Campaign Coordinator since 2021.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Assisted suicide, also known as assisted dying or medical aid in dying, is suicide undertaken with the aid of another person. The term usually refers to physician-assisted suicide, which is suicide that is assisted by a physician or other healthcare provi
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Assisted dying, assisted death, aid in dying or help to die may refer to:
Assisted suicide, help or assistance to another person to end their life
Euthanasia, the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering
Palliative sedation..