MPs in the House of Commons on Friday rejected a bid to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was defeated at its Second Reading by a vote of 286 to 270, a margin of 16.
The debate, which lasted over four hours, saw speeches both for and against the legislation. The bill aimed to permit terminally ill adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live to apply for an assisted death. This was the bill's second attempt in parliament, having failed in the previous session when it passed votes in the Commons but was ultimately defeated in the Lords.
Several MPs who had previously supported the bill voted against it this time. Among them was Labour former minister Janet Daby, who stated that she had experienced sleepless nights after voting in favor of the bill last year and could no longer, in good conscience, support it. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage abstained from the vote. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey both voted against the bill.
Campaigners who opposed the bill welcomed its defeat, suggesting the outcome could settle the issue of assisted dying for a generation. The bill had been reintroduced by Labour MP Lauren Edwards, who took over sponsorship from Kim Leadbeater. During the debate, Edwards urged colleagues to send the bill back to the Lords to allow them to complete their scrutiny.
However, critics described the bill as flawed and unsafe, arguing against its return to the Lords unamended. Opposition to the bill had been voiced by Archbishop Richard Moth, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales, who deemed it 'wrong in principle' and 'deeply flawed.' Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally of the Church of England also expressed opposition. Medical organizations, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists, raised significant concerns, citing unanswered questions regarding the safeguarding of individuals with mental illness. Mrs. Badenoch cautioned against attempting to push through the legislation, describing it as badly drafted.