MPs have backed proposals to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales in a historic vote that paves the way for changes to the law.

Terminally ill adults who are likely to die within six months could ask for help to end their lives, under draft legislation being considered by parliament.

In the first Commons vote on the issue in nearly a decade, MPs supported the bill by 330 to 275, a majority of 55.

The bill will now face several months of debate and scrutiny by MPs and peers, who may choose to amend it, requiring the approval of both houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

MPs were given an independent vote, meaning they could make decisions based on their discretion rather than following the party line.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his Conservative predecessor Rishi Sunak voted in favour, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch voted against.

The prime minister, who previously supported changes to the law in 2015, did not speak in the debate or reveal how he planned to vote in advance, saying he did not want to influence MPs’ decisions.

The Government has taken a neutral stance on the Bill and at the end of the debate Justice Minister Alex Davis-Jones confirmed that if Parliament supports changes to the law the Government will “ensure that any Bill is effective and its provisions are enforced”. Can go”. ,

In an emotional debate that lasted more than four hours, MPs on both sides of the debate shared personal stories that informed their decisions in the packed chamber.

More than 160 MPs requested to speak but due to time constraints very few MPs got a chance to speak.

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