Banners are held by pro-assisted dying campaigners as they gather outside Parliament in London, May 15, 2025
Share this @internewscast.com
UK lawmakers on Friday approved a bill to allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to choose to end their lives in a historic vote in Parliament that takes it a step nearer to becoming law.
Members of Parliament voted 314-291 to back the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill following an impassioned and respectful debate.

The majority of 23 was less than the 55 when they last voted on the issue in November, meaning that some lawmakers changed their minds in the intervening months.

Banners are held by pro-assisted dying campaigners as they gather outside Parliament in London, May 15, 2025
Banners are held by pro-assisted dying campaigners as they gather outside Parliament ahead of Fridays report stage in the Commons on The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill which is expected to see MPs vote on further amendments, in Westminster in London, May 15, 2025 (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Since November, the bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which has been shepherded through Parliament by Labour lawmaker Kim Leadbeater rather than the government.

“I appreciate it’s a huge moment for the country,” she told Sky News after the vote.

“It was a huge sense of relief because this is the right thing to do.”

It’s not quite law yet as the bill now goes to the unelected House of Lords, which can amend or delay policy, though it can’t overrule the lower chamber.

The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967.

The bill would allow terminally ill adults over age 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death.

This particular bill doesn’t apply to Northern Ireland and Scotland, the latter of which is holding its own vote on the issue.

Demonstrators for assisted dying hold banners outside Parliament in London, Friday, June 20, 2025
Demonstrators against assisted dying hold banners outside Parliament in London, Friday, June 20, 2025, as British lawmakers are set to vote Friday on whether to back a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Perhaps the most important change to the bill from last November was the dropping of the requirement that a judge sign off on any decision. Many in the legal profession had objected.

Now any request would be subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.

Changes were also made to ensure the establishment of independent advocates to support people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health conditions and the creation of a disability advisory board.

Having received the go-ahead from doctors and the panel, the terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves.

Another big change made was that “no person,” including doctors, social care workers and pharmacists, will be obliged to take part.

For months, the bill has divided lawmakers, political parties, as well as the country.

Proponents of the bill argued that those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives to relieve their suffering.

They also said that the current situation discriminates against the poor as wealthy individuals can already travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die.

Demonstrators for assisted dying hold banners outside Parliament in London, Friday, June 20, 2025
A van displaying a sign passes Big Ben as demonstrators both for and against assisted dying hold banners outside Parliament in London, Friday, June 20, 2025, as British lawmakers are set to vote Friday on whether to back a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

However, opponents warned that the most vulnerable people in society, such as the disabled and older people, could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members.

Supporters of both sides all agreed of the need to make improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering.

Passions were running high outside of Parliament where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard.

Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase “Campaign for Dignity in Dying,” while opponents held up banners urging lawmakers not to make the state-run National Health Service the “National Suicide Service.”

The legislation now goes to the unelected House of Lords, Any amendments would then go back to the House of Commons.

Backers of the bill say implementation will take four years, rather than the initially suggested two.

That means it could become law in 2029, around the time that the next general election must be held.

Demonstrators for assisted dying hold banners outside Parliament in London, Friday, June 20, 2025
Demonstrators for assisted dying hold banners outside Parliament in London, Friday, June 20, 2025, as British lawmakers are set to vote Friday on whether to back a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

There is clearly no consensus in the Cabinet about the measure.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, voted against.

The government has said it will respect the outcome.

However, it’s not clear what the cost implications are, or how it would impact the NHS, hospice care and the legal system.

Nations where assisted dying is legal

Other countries that have legalised assisted suicide include Australia, Belgium, Canada and parts of the United States, with regulations on who is eligible varying by jurisdiction.

Assisted suicide is different from euthanasia, allowed in the Netherlands and Canada, which involves health care practitioners administering a lethal injection at the patient’s request in specific circumstances.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Kayla Jade: Australia’s Most Renowned Sex Worker and Her Predominantly Female Fanbase Explained

Kayla Jade says she never anticipated becoming so recognised on social media.…

Man Accused of Obstructing Pheobe Bishop Investigation

A 30-year-old man has been charged after allegedly interfering with police investigations…

Heavy Rain Leaves Thousands Without Power on NSW Central Coast

Approximately 30,000 households are experiencing power outages in Newcastle and the NSW…
Pedestrians walk past e-bikes near the NSW State Library in Sydney.

“Prioritizing Safety: Urgent Need for E-Bike Regulations”

Cycling and walking advocates have backed calls for “urgent” action on shared…
Islamic preacher's 'vile' sermons about Jewish people declared racist

Islamic Preacher’s Offensive Sermons Against Jewish People Officially Condemned as Racist

An Islamist preacher has been prohibited from making offensive statements about Jews…

Australian Home Prices Reach New Heights Due to Lower Interest Rates and Limited Supply

Strong buyer demand and fewer listings have pushed home prices to record…
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at Government House for a cabinet meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Removed After Controversial Phone Call Leak

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has temporarily removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her…
Stock image extra cash

Many Australians Uninformed About Significant Financial Growth Awaiting Them

Millions of Australians are about to get a boost to their super,…
Two guests, said to be a father and his young daughter, have been rescued by crew after going into the water while onboard the Disney Dream cruise ship as it returned from a voyage around the Bahamas.

Father and Daughter Saved After Falling Overboard on Disney Cruise Ship

Two passengers, reportedly a father and his daughter, were rescued by crew…
Taliban government eager to welcome tourists into Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s Taliban government keen to attract tourists

By plane, motorbike, camper van and even on bicycles, tourists are beginning…
Noel Edmonds (pictured) revealed he is 'not sure of the way forward' after a flood ravaged his New Zealand estate

Noel Edmonds Uncertain About Next Steps After Flood Devastates His New Zealand Property – ‘Years of Work Ruined Overnight’

Noel Edmonds revealed he is ‘not sure of the way forward’ after…

Sean Combs Trial: Jury Delivers Partial Verdict but Stalls on Final Charge

This article contains references to domestic violence and sexual assault. The jury…