Members of Parliament are set to vote on the main principles of a bill that could legalize assisted dying in England and Wales. The second reading debate is scheduled for Friday, with voting expected to begin before 2:30 p.m. BST. If the bill successfully passes this stage, it will advance to the committee stage, where Members of Parliament can propose amendments.
However, support at this stage does not guarantee final passage. The bill previously cleared the House of Commons on June 20, 2025, with a majority of 23 votes when brought forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. Despite initial support, the bill's progress stalled in the House of Lords, with backers accusing some peers of employing delaying tactics. Critics argued the bill lacked sufficient safeguards.
Opponents suggest that parliamentary support for the bill has diminished since its last attempt. The current proposal, championed by MP Lauren Edwards, is identical to the one that previously passed the Commons. Under the Parliament Acts, if an identical bill passes the Commons in two consecutive parliamentary sessions, the House of Lords cannot block its progress a second time.
While peers can still suggest amendments, which the Commons can accept, the Parliament Acts could be invoked to overcome further opposition. Some MPs have expressed concern that using this procedure presents a "this or nothing" ultimatum, potentially leading to legislation with inadequate safeguards, as warned by disability charities and hospices.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated he will abstain from voting, calling it a matter for Parliament. He has previously indicated a belief that improvements to end-of-life care funding should precede any consideration of legalizing assisted dying.
The outcome of Friday's vote is anticipated to be close, potentially influenced by the number of MPs attending the sitting, which falls on a day typically reserved for constituency work. Campaigners for assisted dying gathered in Parliament Square in April 2026 to advocate for the bill.