Overview

• First Minister John Swinney has confirmed he will vote against the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill in Scotland's Parliament next week.
• Swinney expressed concerns that the bill could fundamentally alter doctor-patient relationships and undermine the role of medical professionals in preserving life.
• He warned that vulnerable individuals might feel pressured to end their lives prematurely and that courts could expand the bill's scope beyond legislative intent.
• Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, who introduced the bill, remains optimistic about securing enough support to advance it to the next legislative stage.
• The vote comes as assisted dying legislation progresses in other parts of the UK, with public polling in Scotland showing consistent support for legal reform.