The Terminally Ill Adults Bill, backed by 314 votes to 291 in the House of Commons, will now go to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.

The measure paves the way for what the BBC describes as “huge social change” in giving terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to end their own lives.

The vote came after an emotionally charged debate which saw MPs recount personal stories of seeing friends and relatives die.

It is likely, although not guaranteed, that the House of Lords will approve the bill later this year.

According to the BBC, if that happens, ministers would have a maximum of four years to implement the measures, meaning it could be 2029 before assisted dying becomes available.

MPs were allowed a free vote on the bill, meaning they did not have to follow a party policy.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the measure, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch andHealth Secretary Wes Streetingvoted against.

[Image: engin akyurt on Unsplash]


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