Official statements or press releases from major UK political parties

MPs Given Free Vote as Kim Leadbeater Introduces Assisted Dying Bill to Parliament

Oct 3, 2024, 05:24 PM

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who recently topped the private members' bill ballot, will introduce a bill to the UK Parliament aiming to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill individuals in England and Wales. The proposed legislation, hailed as 'new hope' by Dame Esther Rantzen, marks the first time in nearly a decade that MPs will have the opportunity to vote on this controversial issue, with a vote likely to take place before Christmas. The bill seeks to give terminally ill people the legal right to choose to end their life. Party leaders have agreed to waive collective responsibility, allowing MPs, including ministers, a free vote on the matter. The introduction of the bill has been welcomed by organizations advocating for assisted dying reforms, such as Humanists UK. Public support for assisted dying has grown, with a recent YouGov poll indicating that 69% of Britons favor changing the law. The government has stated it will remain neutral on the issue.