MPs have approved the controversial assisted dying bill by a majority of just 23, paving the way to giving terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to end their own lives.
The Terminally Ill Adults Bill, which was backed by 314 votes to 291, with both Warrington South MP Sarah Hall and Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols voting in favour. It will now go to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
It was approved by a majority of just 23 MPs, representing a drop from the first time it was debated in November, when it passed by a margin of 55.
The vote came after an emotionally charged debate, which saw MPs recount personal stories of seeing friends and relatives die.
Ms Hall said: “This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve faced as a Member of Parliament.
“My decision to support the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was one made with deep thought, compassion, and care. Today’s vote was the final step forward in giving those facing the end of their life greater dignity and choice in their final days.
“I’ve listened closely to voices across Warrington South from constituents, patients, carers, faith leaders, and clinicians and I know how deeply personal and complex this issue is.
“I want to thank every single person who took the time to share their stories with me, including people who have watched loved ones suffer, and those who have fears about what legalising assisted dying might mean for the most vulnerable. Every one of your experiences and conversations has informed my decision.
“Ultimately, I came back to one guiding principle, compassion. I believe that giving terminally ill adults, with no hope of recovery and with the right safeguards in place, the legal right to choose a dignified end is an act of compassion.
“This Bill doesn’t take anything away from those who would never choose this path. But it does offer the option of a dignified end for those who feel it is right for them.”
Ms Nichols said: “I am grateful to constituents who have written to me and met with me regarding this Bill, on all sides of the debate. These have been necessarily difficult conversations, and I remain deeply moved by the many residents who have shared their personal stories with me both in support of and opposition to this Bill.
“I came into this debate open-minded and have followed the amendments process closely, having voted for the Bill at Second Reading to allow the process of legislative deliberation to continue. I believe that this Bill is stronger now in terms of safeguards, since the first reading on 16 October 2024, including a prohibition on the advertising of assisted dying services, more safeguards to prohibit initiating discussions about assisted dying with under-18s, and setting out that two independent doctors must separately assess the person’s capacity and eligibility for an assisted death. There are now also strengthened protections for healthcare professionals who object to assisted dying on ethical or religious grounds, with no medical professional to be compelled to participate in any part of the process.
“There were two conversations with constituents in particular that settled my decision that I would support the Bill at Third Reading, one who was terminally ill himself and the other a bereaved man who had seen his wife die in difficult circumstances. Neither were natural supporters of the change due to their faith backgrounds, but on reflection believed that the option being available could have alleviated some of their suffering. The status quo is not without its harms, and it is important to remember this.
“I want to reiterate that this legislation must not come at the expense of high-quality palliative care and investment in NHS services, which remain absolutely essential. Both should go hand in hand – offering dignity through choice, and dignity through care.
“The Bill will now face further scrutiny in the Lords, and I will continue to follow its passage closely, welcoming further discussion with constituents about how we get such a change right if it is to become law.”
Esther McVey speaking in Parliament
Meanwhile Tatton MP Esther McVey who representes the Lymm area of Warrington, was unable to vote as she chaired the committee stage of the bill.
But she commented:“I voted against the Assisted Dying Bill earlier this year at its second reading.
“After that vote, I was asked – as a senior MP – to be one of the Chairs overseeing scrutiny of the Bill through Committee stage. To ensure fairness and impartiality, Chairs, who voted in favour of the Bill, were also chosen.
“While my personal views have not changed, Parliamentary rules forbid the Chairs to take part in any future proceedings (once the Bill leaves Committee stage) and therefore I was not allowed to vote on Friday.”
