In a closely contested vote, MPs have approved plans to legalise assisted dying, with the bill passing by a margin of just 23 votes. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, now awaits scrutiny in the House of Lords before it can become law.
The bill, championed by Ms. Leadbeater—sister of the late MP Jo Cox—aims to provide terminally ill individuals with a compassionate and safe choice to end their lives on their own terms. Ms. Leadbeater stressed the importance of the bill’s safeguards to protect vulnerable people, emphasizing that those who are dying often face the greatest vulnerability.
The vote sparked significant debate. Critics, including Labour’s Diane Abbott, have voiced concerns about insufficient protections within the bill that might put vulnerable individuals at risk. During the Commons debate, Liberal Democrat Wera Hobhouse shared how constituents expressed fears that MPs might be “too careless or stupid” to protect vulnerable people. She asked Ms. Leadbeater to confirm that MPs care deeply about these concerns, to which Ms. Leadbeater agreed, reiterating the need for rigorous safeguards.
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This vote was a free vote, allowing MPs to decide according to their conscience rather than party lines. All 11 MPs representing Somerset, North Somerset, and Bath and North East Somerset participated. Notably, Dan Norris, the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, cast his vote via proxy. He remains suspended from the Labour Party and banned from the parliamentary estate under a risk-based exclusion policy following his arrest on serious allegations, which are still under investigation.
The delicate margin highlights the ongoing national discussion about the ethics and safeguards surrounding assisted dying legislation.