UK Commons Backs Assisted Dying Bill 314–291

Britain’s House of Commons has narrowly approved the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, advancing legislation that would permit assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales. Lawmakers voted 314 to 291 in a free vote on 20 June, the slimmest majority yet on the issue after months of debate.

The bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, would allow people aged 18 or over who are judged to have less than six months to live to request lethal medication. Each case would require sign-off from two independent doctors and a panel comprising a psychiatrist, social worker and senior legal figure. Patients must self-administer the drug, and medical professionals may decline to take part. The measure also drops an earlier proposal for judicial approval.

Support cut across party lines: Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed the bill, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner opposed it. The legislation now moves to the House of Lords, where peers can amend or delay but are not expected to block it outright. If enacted, the government and National Health Service would have up to four years to implement the new framework, replacing the current prohibition on assisted suicide, which carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison. Recent YouGov polling shows about three-quarters of Britons support the change.