MSPs to vote on assisted dying bill

LEGISLATION to introduce assisted dying for terminally ill people in Scotland has been published at Holyrood - with the MSP behind it insisting there is "compelling evidence" to support the move.

Liam McArthur said he is "confident" the Scottish Parliament will back his legislation when it comes before it for a vote, adding "robust safeguards" are included in the Bill.

A consultation by Mr McArthur ahead of publication of his Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill found 76% of the 14,038 people who took part fully support such a change, with another 2% partially supporting it.

Opponents of the legislation have said they fear it would see the lives of people who are ill or disabled being "devalued", with the Bishop of Paisley John Keenan branding it is a "dangerous idea".