The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was rejected by MPs in England and Wales, with 286 voting against and 270 in favour—a margin of 16 votes. The proposal would have allowed terminally ill adults with fewer than six months to live to apply for assisted death, subject to approval from two doctors and an expert panel.
The vote took place during a four-hour debate in the House of Commons on Friday, with MPs instructed to vote according to conscience rather than party lines. Labour MP Lauren Edwards, who reintroduced the bill, described the result as 'hugely disappointing' and 'heartbreaking' for terminally ill individuals and their families.