MPs back assisted dying bill despite fears on safeguards

MPs in Parliament have narrowly voted to approve plans to legalise assisted dying in a crucial third reading vote.

- John Wimperis Local democracy reporter

The private members bill by Labour's Kim Leadbeater, sister of murdered MP Jo Cox, was backed by 314 MPs and opposed by 291 - a margin of just 23 votes.

It will now need to go through the House of Lords before it can become law.

Ms Leadbeater said the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would "offer a compassionate and safe choice to terminally ill people who want to make it."

But critics, who include mother of the house Diane Abbot (also Labour), have warned that the bill lacks safeguards and vulnerable people could end up losing their lives who otherwise would not have.

Speaking in the House of Commons debate, Liberal Democrat Bath MP Wera Hobhouse said she faced emails from constituents implying that MPs were "too stupid or careless" to care for the vulnerable.