Westminster assisted dying vote ‘shows UK backs change’, says MSP leading Scottish bill

Westminster’s assisted dying bill passing its first hurdle “reflects the wishes of the UK public”, the MSP who is behind a similar bill in Holyrood has said. A majority of MPs supported a Bill that would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with a life expectancy of less than six months to end their lives on Friday afternoon. MPs voted 330 to 275, majority 55, to approve Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at the second reading.

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur is heading up a similar bill in the Scottish Parliament. He said he was “delighted” at the Westminster bill passing and is “confident” Holyrood will do the same when his bill is presented. McArthur said: “I am delighted to see Kim Leadbeater’s bill pass its first parliamentary hurdle. This debate has shown the UK Parliament at its best with thoughtful contributions from across the House and a vote which shows a clear recognition that the present blanket ban on assisted dying does not work and that more choice, alongside excellent palliative care, is what dying people need.

“I would like to extend my personal congratulations to Kim Leadbeater who has led this debate with respect, compassion and integrity. It is important to note that this is not the end of the process. The bill will now get detailed consideration and everybody is going to have the opportunity to have their say.

“However, it is clear that today’s vote reflects the wishes of the UK public, who overwhelmingly back a change in the law to offer choice and compassion. I am confident that MSPs in the Scottish Parliament will do the same when they vote at Stage 1 on my Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.”

Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among those who voted for the bill.

The bill passing at Westminster is seen as a significant step towards changing the current laws governing assisted dying in the UK. It signifies a shift in public opinion and highlights the growing support for providing terminally ill individuals with more choice and control over their end-of-life decisions.

The passage of Kim Leadbeater’s bill in England and Wales is likely to have an impact on the ongoing discussions in the Scottish Parliament regarding McArthur’s similar bill. The clear majority in favour of the bill at Westminster could influence Scottish MSPs to consider similar changes to the law in Scotland.

Overall, the successful vote in Westminster demonstrates a positive move towards greater compassion and autonomy for terminally ill individuals in the UK. It sets the stage for further debates and decisions that could potentially reshape end-of-life care and choices in the country.