UK Parliament to Hold Historic Vote on Assisted Dying Legislation

The proposed bill would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults, dividing MPs and Cabinet members ahead of Friday's free vote.

The Assisted Dying Bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to seek medical assistance to end their lives, subject to approval by two doctors and a High Court judge.
MPs will have a free vote on the issue, marking the first parliamentary debate on assisted dying since 2015, with the result expected to be unpredictable due to a large number of newly elected MPs and undecided members.
The Cabinet is deeply divided, with 14 members indicating support for the bill and at least 8 opposing it, including Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who have publicly criticized the legislation.
Supporters of the bill argue it upholds patient autonomy and addresses financial disparities for those unable to travel abroad for legal assisted dying, while opponents raise concerns about potential coercion and the risk of a 'slippery slope.'
If the bill passes Friday's vote, it will move to the committee stage for further scrutiny, though procedural hurdles such as filibustering or running out of debate time could still block its progress.