MPs reject fresh attempt to legalise assisted dying

MPs have rejected proposals to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales for the second time this year, bringing an end to a change in the law.

The debate itself was tetchier, more irritable than when Kim Leadbeater introduced a similar bill in 2024. Then it was the first time MPs had voted on assisted dying in nine years.

Since then the Commons has voted on this issue three times and had hours of debate. The sombre, respectful tone from 2024 has become more embittered.

Given the strength of feeling on both sides over such an emotive issue, perhaps that is unsurprising.

But on a deeply divided issue, both sides agree on why the result was different.

Despite the strong emotions on both sides, the result was different from previous votes. The debate itself was more tetchier and irritable than in 2024, when MPs had voted on assisted dying for the first time in nine years.

The sombre tone of the vote has become more embittered, with some supporters expressing disappointment that the momentum has fallen away from a change in the law.

Supporters say they will try again, but for now, the result brings an end to this latest effort to change the law.

The influence of Andy Burnham may have been a factor, with some Labour MPs abstaining from voting due to their collective view on assisted dying being influenced by Sir Keir Starmer's position as prime minister at the time.

There will be other reasons why supportive MPs did not turn up today. A wedding took some away from Westminster, and a trip to Ukraine meant others missed the vote. Already those in favour of a change in the law promise to try again. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP who introduced the original legislation last year, has told the BBC another attempt could come as soon as next year.

Supporters have told me they see this parliament, with such a large proportion of Labour MPs who tend to support assisted dying, as a 'unique moment' to pass this change. However, for now, the momentum has fallen away from a change in the law. That is a relief to those who worry such a change would risk harming vulnerable people.

But it is a bitter disappointment to those who see it as a necessary and compassionate alternative to the status quo. The bitterness from supporters is aimed in part at the House of Lords, where opponents' efforts ultimately led to this defeat. And it could hasten those calling for reform of Parliament's second chamber.

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Given the strength of feeling on both sides over such an emotive issue, perhaps that is unsurprising. But on a