What's happened
On October 16, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater introduced a bill to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill patients in England and Wales. A parliamentary debate and vote are scheduled for November 29, marking the first Commons vote on this issue in nearly a decade.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Mirror highlights the emotional weight of the debate, quoting Dame Esther Rantzen, who described the current law as 'cruel' and urged people to advocate for change. In contrast, The Independent presents concerns from campaigners like Liz Carr, who argues that the law change could jeopardize the safety of disabled and elderly individuals. Metro emphasizes the free vote MPs will have, indicating the contentious nature of the issue, while also noting the historical context of previous failed bills. Each source reflects the polarized views surrounding assisted dying, illustrating the complexity of the upcoming parliamentary discussions.
How we got here
The topic of assisted dying has resurfaced after nearly a decade, driven by campaigners like Dame Esther Rantzen, who advocates for the right to choose a dignified death. Previous attempts to pass similar legislation have failed, with the last significant vote occurring in 2015.
Common question
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What are the key issues in the UK Parliament's Assisted Dying Debate?
The UK Parliament is set to debate a significant bill on assisted dying, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. This marks the first Commons vote on the issue in nearly a decade, raising crucial questions about the implications for terminally ill patients and the broader societal impact. As the debate unfolds, many are left wondering about the arguments for and against the bill, the key figures involved, and how this legislation compares to past attempts.
More on these topics
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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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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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Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96 mile border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and w
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Jersey, officially the Bailiwick of Jersey, is a British Crown dependency near the coast of Normandy, France. It is the second-closest of the Channel Islands to France, after Alderney.
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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..
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England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. England is separated from continental Europe by
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Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by the Irish Sea to the north and west, England to the east, the Bristol Channel to the south, and the Celtic Sea to the south-west. As of 2021, it had a population of 3.2 million.
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Northern Ireland is variously described as a country, province or region which is part of the United Kingdom. Located in the northeast of the island of Ireland, Northern Ireland shares a border to the south and west with the Republic of Ireland.