Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Third Reading

Parliament voted on 20 June 2025 to pass the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at its Third Reading, the final stage in the House of Commons before a bill proceeds to the House of Lords. The result was 314 votes in favour and 291 against, a margin of 23 votes. The bill would, if it becomes law, legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales, subject to a range of safeguards including medical and judicial oversight.

The bill's passage at Third Reading means it now moves to the House of Lords for scrutiny, amendment, and further votes. In practical terms, the legislation would create a legal pathway for adults with a terminal diagnosis to request assistance in ending their life, provided they meet eligibility criteria and their request is approved by two doctors and a High Court judge. The change would affect patients, medical professionals, the judiciary, and palliative care services across England and Wales. It represents the most significant proposed shift in the law on end-of-life choices in the United Kingdom's history.

The vote was held on a free vote, meaning party whips did not instruct members how to vote, and the division cut across party lines. Labour members split 204 in favour and 145 against, with a further 23 Labour and Co-operative members dividing 23 to 16 in favour. Liberal Democrats backed the bill by 56 to 14. Conservatives opposed it heavily, voting 89 against and only 20 in favour. The Green Party's four MPs all voted in favour. Reform UK split 2 to 6 against, and the Democratic Unionist Party voted unanimously against. The bill had earlier cleared several amendment votes on the same day, including the acceptance of Amendment 77, which tightened the definition of terminal illness, and Amendment 94, relating to the involvement of the High Court.