MPs back legalising assisted dying in England and Wales – as it happened

Assisted dying bill will pass to the Lords after MPs vote to accept it, with 314 votes to 291

MPs have gathered in the House of Commons for the third reading of the assisted dying bill. If approved, it will then go to the House of Lords.

There will also be four votes in the Commons on changes within the bill since it was last put to MPs in November.

The terminally ill adults (end of life) bill has huge implications for hospices, our staff, volunteers and patients, as well as the health system and society more broadly. But there are still many unanswered questions around how a future assisted dying service would work.

Given this lack of clarity we welcome the introduction of new clause 20, which would require the government to consult with palliative and end of life care providers if the bill progresses. It is vital that the access of palliative and end of life care for everyone is increased, and for that we need a better funding model for hospices. Continue reading...