Parliamentary plotting to derail assisted dying is 'disservice to Britain'

SINISTER plotting to derail the landmark assisted dying legislation would be a disservice to Britain, a senior Tory MP has said.

- Giles Sheldrick

Concern was mounting last night that gerrymandering could conspire to scupper a historic victory that has given those living with terminal illnesses the right to die.

On Friday, lawmakers took a giant first step towards legalising assisted dying, supporting the second reading of Kim Leadbeater's Private Member's Bill by 330 votes to 275. But a number of those who backed it could vote against it before a law change.

Tory grandee Kit Malthouse warned: "Given that we are contemplating profound human suffering it would be completely inappropriate for debate to be stifled using procedural manoeuvring.