MPs back proposals to legalise assisted dying 

What it means for End-of-Life care

In a historic decision, today MPs have voted in favour of proposals to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales for terminally ill adults expected to die within six months. The vote marks the first significant step toward potential legislative change on this deeply sensitive issue, with 330 MPs supporting the bill and 275 opposing—a majority of 55. 
 

The draft legislation, which now enters the next stages of parliamentary debate and scrutiny is many months and potentially years before coming into law. It would allow terminally ill adults to seek assistance in ending their lives, provided strict safeguards are met. The proposed law has sparked widespread discussion about dignity, choice, and the current state of palliative care in the UK.
 

At St Michael’s Hospice, we share the commitment to ensuring that no one facing a terminal illness feels unsupported. The current challenges in funding and ensuring high quality palliative care is available to all must be urgently addressed, not only to meet existing needs but also to navigate the broader implications of any future legislation on assisted dying. 

An emotional debate 

The debate in the House of Commons was deeply personal and emotional, with MPs on both sides sharing their experiences of terminal illness and end-of-life care. While MPs were granted a free vote, the government has taken a neutral stance. Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones stated that if the bill progresses, the government would ensure its provisions are enforceable. 
 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former Conservative leader Rishi Sunak voted in favour of the bill, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch opposed it. The vote is just the beginning of what promises to be a lengthy process requiring approval from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before becoming law. 
 

Implications for Hospices and palliative care 
 

The decision has prompted renewed focus on the state of palliative and end-of-life care in the UK. Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, which remains neutral on the issue, highlighted a critical concern: 
 

“We have said before that it is intolerable that anyone might choose an assisted death because of a fear that they won’t get the care they need. That fear, at present, is real, and justified. Government must act, now and in the long term, to change this.” 
 

At St Michael’s Hospice, we share the commitment to ensuring that no one facing a terminal illness feels unsupported. The current gaps in palliative care must be urgently addressed, not only to meet existing needs but also to navigate the broader implications of any future legislation on assisted dying. 

 
A call for thoughtful engagement 
 

Matt Fellows, CEO of St Michael’s Hospice, emphasised the importance of carefully considering the practical implications of today’s decision: 
 

“Today’s vote highlights the importance of open and compassionate dialogue about end-of-life care. As this bill progresses, we urge MPs to engage closely with hospices and other care providers to fully understand the challenges and opportunities it presents. Our priority will always be ensuring the best possible care for individuals and their families at the most vulnerable times in their lives.” 
 

Looking ahead 
 

As the bill moves to the next stages of Parliamentary scrutiny, many questions remain unanswered about how the legislation would work in practice and its potential impact on hospices like St Michael’s. While we remain neutral on the matter of assisted dying itself, we are steadfast in our belief that every individual deserves high-quality, compassionate care at the end of life. 

We will continue to follow developments closely, advocating for the needs of those we serve and ensuring that palliative care remains a national priority. 
 

• To view our statement on Assisted Dying, please click here 
• For further updates and information about our work, please visit St Michael’s Hospice.