The UK parliament is preparing for a vote on a groundbreaking assisted dying bill this Friday, sparking heated debate and exposing deep divisions among MPs and across party lines.
The proposed law, first introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, seeks to allow terminally ill adults with a prognosis of less than six months to seek medical assistance to end their lives, provided they receive approval from two doctors and a judge.
The vote will be a “free vote,” meaning MPs are not required to vote along party lines, leading to varied opinions even within traditionally aligned political groups. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously signaled support for changing the law but has not disclosed his stance since taking office.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who would oversee the implementation if the bill passes, has expressed strong opposition, citing concerns about the country’s end-of-life care system’s readiness and potential funding cuts to other essential NHS services. He also emphasized the ethical challenges for clinicians who object to assisted dying.
The issue has brought together unusual political allies, such as Conservative MP Edward Leigh and Labour’s Diane Abbott, who have joined forces to oppose the bill. Former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Theresa May have said they would vote against it if given the chance. In contrast, David Cameron recently changed his position and published an op-ed in The Times, supporting the bill.
Leadbeater has defended the bill as comprehensive, ensuring that only those over 18 with mental capacity can request assisted dying and that two separate declarations are required to confirm their wish. She has drawn parallels between this legislation and the women’s right movement’s fight for abortion rights, advocating for terminally ill people’s autonomy over their bodies.
“I think we will look back in 10 years’ time and think, ‘why didn’t this happen sooner?’ I think then people will have to look back and think about how they voted.”
The debate is anticipated to last five hours, with over 150 MPs signed up to speak in what is expected to be an emotionally intense session. Around 100 MPs remain undecided, with many likely to finalize their decision just before the vote.
Should the bill pass, it will undergo further scrutiny in both Houses of Parliament and, if approved, is expected to come into effect within two to three years.
