WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
UK MPs Reject Assisted Dying Bill Despite Previous Support
WHY IT MATTERS
The rejection of the assisted dying bill means that the practice remains illegal in the UK, punishable by up to 14 years in prison, and that efforts to address palliative and social care will continue to be a priority for the government.
What happened
British MPs voted down a bill legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales, despite a near identical bill receiving two votes of support in 2024 and 2025. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, introduced by Labour MP Lauren Edwards, would have allowed assisted dying for adults aged 18 or over who are expected to die within six months.
The bill was rejected by 286 votes to 270 in a matter of conscience vote, where parties did not whip their MPs. Prime Minister Andy Burnham abstained from the vote, citing the need to address palliative and social care before considering assisted dying.
The decision follows similar rejections in Scotland and a previous vote against assisted dying in 2015.
PRIMARY SOURCES
UK MPs reject bill legalizing assisted dying bill despite previous support
POLITICO Europe · Noah Keate · Discovery only; POLITICO copyright and subscription terms apply