Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: New Clause 1

Parliament voted on New Clause 1 to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on 13 June 2025, during the Bill's Report Stage. The clause was defeated by 256 votes to 230. The Bill, promoted by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, would permit terminally ill adults in England and Wales to request assistance to end their lives, subject to a series of medical assessments and High Court approval. The vote matters because New Clause 1 would have added requirements to the Bill that its supporters argued were necessary before it could proceed. Those voting against the clause, and therefore in favour of the Bill as drafted, believed the existing safeguards were sufficient. The defeat means the Bill continues without whatever additional provisions the clause would have introduced. The Bill itself remains a significant piece of proposed legislation that would amend the Suicide Act 1961 and create a new legal framework for assisted dying in England and Wales. The vote cut across party lines, as is typical on matters of conscience. Among Labour MPs, 166 voted against the clause and 111 in favour. Conservatives divided more heavily in favour: 68 voted Aye and 13 voted No. Liberal Democrats voted predominantly against, with 47 Noes and 13 Ayes. The Democratic Unionist Party's five MPs all voted Aye. The Greens' four MPs all voted No. Reform UK split five Ayes to two Noes. No party imposed a whip, and the divisions within each party reflect genuine disagreement on the clause's merits.