UK lawmakers reject assisted dying bill in knife-edge vote

British MPs have rejected legislation that would have legalised assisted dying for some terminally ill adults in England and Wales, dealing a setback to campaigners after a closely contested vote in the House of Commons.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was defeated by 286 votes to 270 following hours of impassioned debate.

The proposed legislation would have allowed adults in England and Wales with a prognosis of less than six months to live to request assistance to end their lives, provided they could clearly express their wish to do so. Requests would have required approval from two doctors and an expert panel.

The bill had a lengthy and contentious passage through Parliament. MPs had backed an identical proposal in a landmark vote last year, but the legislation subsequently stalled in the unelected House of Lords after more than 1,200 amendments were tabled.

The issue has prompted strong opposition and support, with campaigners on both sides regularly demonstrating outside Parliament. Assisted dying is already legal in a number of countries, including Canada and Switzerland.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would not take part in vote, arguing that his participation could “unduly influence the debate.” Since taking office in July, Burnham has also renewed efforts to improve social care for elderly and vulnerable people and has backed greater prioritisation of palliative care.

Earlier this year, lawmakers in Scotland rejected separate legislation on assisted dying. In the self-governing British Crown Dependencies of Jersey and the Isle of Man, lawmakers have approved assisted dying legislation, although both measures are still awaiting royal assent.

By Vafa Guliyeva