MPs in Westminster have this afternoon made history as have voted to legalise assisted dying’
The Free Vote in the Commons passed by a majority of 55 as MP’s voted 330 to 275 in favour of a bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales
The vote is seen by supporters of the bill as an historic first step to meet the aspirations of the public, who overwhelmingly support having choice, dignity, and compassion at the end of their lives.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer voted for the bill but will stay out of the debate
More than 160 parliamentarians requested to speak in the five-hour debate ahead of the vote
Kim Leadbeater who brought the Private members bill will pick which MPs she wants to sit on the 14 or 16-strong committee to scrutinize the bill, and has promised to ensure those on both sides of the debate are on the team.
The committee isn’t expected to sit until 2025.
