2LT International News

LONDON, U.K.: In a landmark moment for Britain, lawmakers in the House of Commons have voted in favour of legalising assisted dying, setting the stage for one of the country’s most profound social changes in decades.

The “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)” bill passed by a narrow margin of 314 to 291 on June 20, clearing its biggest legislative hurdle and moving to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. If passed, the law would allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live the right to end their lives with medical help.

The legislation puts Britain on the path taken by Canada, Australia, and a number of U.S. states, where assisted dying is already legal under strict conditions.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government maintained a neutral stance on the bill, allowing members to vote based on conscience rather than party lines. Starmer himself voted in favour.

Supporters say the law would provide dignity and compassion to those facing unbearable suffering. But critics fear it could lead to vulnerable individuals feeling pressured to end their lives prematurely.

Outside Parliament, hundreds gathered awaiting the result. When the outcome was announced, campaigners in favour of the bill hugged, cheered, and waved placards. Opponents stood silently.

Emma Bray, a 42-year-old mother of two with motor neurone disease, said the vote gave her hope that others like her would be spared needless pain. “This result will mean that people will not have to go through the same suffering I have faced,” she told Reuters. Bray has been told she has six months to live and plans to starve herself to avoid pain.

Public opinion has largely backed the change, with polls showing widespread support for assisted dying. The vote followed emotional parliamentary debate and a prior vote in November, when the bill was first approved in principle.

Still, Friday’s vote reflected waning support, with the margin narrowing from 330-275 in November. Some lawmakers withdrew support, saying safeguards had been weakened.

Initially, an assisted death would have required court approval, but the revised bill replaces that with a panel of a psychiatrist, a senior legal figure, and a social worker.

Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP who proposed the bill, defended the changes. “The safeguards are extremely thorough, extremely robust,” she said.

Groups like Care Not Killing have strongly opposed the legislation. CEO Gordon Macdonald said MPs had too little time to review over 130 proposed amendments: “Does anyone think this is enough time to consider changes to a draft law that quite literally is a matter of life and death?”

Though still several steps from becoming law, the vote marks a dramatic shift in British policy on end-of-life choices.