Assisted dying bill begins divisive and emotional passage through Westminster

A bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales has been formally introduced in the House of Commons, triggering intense discussion over the coming weeks and months on an emotionally charged and controversial issue.

- Harriet Sherwood

MPs will hold their first debate on the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's private member's bill on 29 November. They will be given a free vote on the bill, meaning they can vote according to individual conscience.

The text of the terminally ill adults (end of life) bill has not been published, but its title states that it would "allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life".

The bill, which covers England and Wales, is expected to propose assisted dying be restricted to mentally competent adults with six months or less to live, although a 12-month prognosis is also a possibility. The details will be published in the coming weeks.

As Leadbeater introduced her bill, supporters and opponents of assisted dying gathered outside parliament.