On Friday 29th November 2024, Britain’s parliament voted in favour of a bill that would legalise voluntary assisted dying (VAD) at the Second Reading stage – 330 votes to 275.
It had been almost a decade since Westminster MPs voted on an assisted dying bill, which at the time was comprehensively defeated. This new Bill was introduced by a Labour MP as a Private Member’s Bill and co-sponsored by 11 others.
The frenetic lead up to the vote was quite extraordinary and sadly provided many examples of journalism at its worst. With all indications pointing to what could be a spiteful debate, the MPs surprised many with conduct that could only be described as courteous, respectful and dignified.
Having passed this major hurdle, the next stage is the committee stage where MPs can table amendments. The Bill is then subject to further scrutiny and votes in both the House of Commons and House of Lords and if agreed upon, becomes law. This process could involve another 6-months of scrutiny.
Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:
“Kim Leadbeater MP has been an incredible advocate for choice at the end of life. She has led this debate with respect, compassion and integrity, and will continue to put a huge amount of time and care into this Bill.
“Significant though this moment is, this is just the start of the journey for the Bill. In the months ahead, it will undergo detailed, clause by clause scrutiny by MPs, with further debate and votes on amendments in both Houses. Kim has asked for as much time as possible to be given for this process, and will take expert evidence, to ensure the Bill is as robust as it can possibly be.
“Today, MPs have voted for choice, safety and compassion. They have expressed the will of the British people and have made history. Now we must make the choice of assisted dying a reality.”
The law still needs to clear several parliamentary hurdles and may take more than two years to come into effect.
Read the press release here from Dignity in Dying, UK and this article from the BBC, which has additional details about this Bill and its history.
