MPs reject assisted dying bill in Commons vote

MPs have voted against legalising assisted dying in England and Wales, rejecting the bill by 286 votes to 270. The result brings to an end the latest attempt to change the law, after the legislation had already passed the House of Commons last year but stalled in the House of Lords.

The bill, introduced by Labour MP Lauren Edwards, was identical to a previous version brought forward by Kim Leadbeater. It would have allowed adults with less than six months to live to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and an expert panel. Supporters argued it would give terminally ill people choice and dignity, while opponents said it lacked enough safeguards and could pressure vulnerable people into ending their lives.

During a heated debate, MPs heard emotional personal testimony. One Labour MP who has terminal cancer said her days were numbered but she did not want the chamber to "rush through bad law". Another MP described how her mother had died in excruciating pain despite good palliative care. The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, abstained, having previously said end-of-life care should be improved before assisted dying is considered.

The vote was close, with only 16 votes separating the two sides. The result was greeted with relief by campaigners against the bill, who said disabled people had been protected, and with dismay by those in favour. Dame Esther Rantzen, the broadcaster with terminal lung cancer, called it a tragic day, and her daughter said it was a "demolition of democracy".

Supporters say the issue will return, but opponents argue the defeat shows the bill was not workable. The debate also highlighted concerns about palliative care funding, with many campaigners calling for improvements. A growing number of countries have legalised some form of assisted dying, and Jersey and the Isle of Man have already passed their own bills.