RIGHT TO DIE BILL PASSED

UK MPs vote for assisted dying by 23 votes

- BY ASHLEY COWBURN, PATRICK HILL and DAVE BURKE

ASSISTED dying supporters jumped for joy, hugged each other and wept yesterday after British MPs backed a landmark bill to change the law in England and Wales.

The yes vote means the controversial legislation - spearheaded by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater - will now pass to the House of Lords where it will be debated by peers.

Ms Leadbeater said: “It feels surreal to be honest. It feels a huge relief because a huge amount of work has gone into getting to this day.”

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill received 314 votes in favour and 291 against - a majority of 23 - in the Commons poll.

The bill aims to give terminally ill people over the age 18 with just six months left to live the option to end their life early.

It must be subject to approval by two doctors and an expert panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist. Assisted dying is currently banned and carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

Ms Leadbeater added: “The important thing is we've got the bill over the line, which means so much to so many people and I pay tribute to the families and terminally ill people that I've met in recent months. This bill is about them.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has spoken in favour of changing the law, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves voted in favour of the bill.