After nearly seven months of deliberation, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has passed its final stage in the House of Commons, with MPs voting in favour of legalising assisted dying in England and Wales by a margin of 23 votes.
The bill, proposed by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, would permit terminally ill adults—those with six months or fewer to live—to seek medical assistance to end their lives under specific safeguards. Following its approval by the Commons, the legislation will now proceed to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
Ahead of the vote, MPs engaged in almost three hours of deeply personal and emotional debate. Members were granted a free vote, enabling them to vote in line with their conscience rather than their party’s position. “I know what this means to terminally ill people,” Leadbeater told the BBC, describing herself as “over the Moon” following the result.
The bill, however, remains controversial. The Bishop of London warned it was “unworkable and unsafe,” reflecting continued opposition from faith leaders and some medical professionals.
Despite the divided views, political editor Chris Mason noted that the outcome marks a potentially profound social shift, suggesting the legislation is now more likely than ever to become law.
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