Humanists UK comment: Assisted Dying Bill passes House of Commons

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has passed Third Reading in the House of Commons. The vote was 314 in favour, 291 against. My Death, My Decision and Humanists UK welcome the result.

Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, said:

‘The House of Commons has taken a historic step towards meeting the aspirations of the public, who overwhelmingly support having choice, dignity, and compassion at the end of their lives. We welcome this and now look forward to working with Lords on the legislation.

‘MPs have finally recognised the fact that assisted dying is already happening in this country. People are travelling to Switzerland if they have the money and mobility to do so. Others are dying in traumatic circumstances by suicide. Many more are suffering greatly, even while receiving the best possible care. Today, we are a significant step closer to ending that unnecessary and cruel suffering and MPs should be commended for taking this step.’

Carmen Sumadiwiria, Director of Diversity at My Death, My Decision said: 

‘This is a day for the history books, where facts have prevailed over fear. Today’s vote reflects what the British public has known for years, that everyone deserves the right to choose a compassionate death. We are grateful to politicians who listened to evidence, reason, and the lived experience of dying Brits. This is a momentous victory for the overwhelming majority who support assisted dying, and we will keep working to make sure those voices continue to be heard.

‘We want to thank every parliamentarian who stood up today for dignity and common sense. Your courage has given hope to terminally ill adults across the country who simply want the choice to die peacefully and on their own terms. We are proud to stand with you and will continue to work for a fairer, kinder law.’

Louise Shackleton accompanied her husband, Anthony, to Switzerland for an assisted death after he had been suffering from motor neurone disease for six years. She said:

‘Today the majority of MPs have done the right thing. They listened with compassion, and they chose dignity over fear. I’m so relieved that other families won’t have to go through what Anthony and I did, forced to leave our home, our loved ones, and our country just so he could have a peaceful death.

‘This law means that people facing unimaginable illnesses will finally have a choice. It means their final days can be filled with love, not fear; with family, not police interviews. I promised Anthony I’d fight for this, and today I can say we’ve been heard.’

The Bill will now progress to the House of Lords, which will further scrutinise it. It applies to England and Wales only. A private member’s bill in Scotland by Liam McArthur MSP recently passed its First Stage vote in the Scottish Parliament.