Scottish Parliament backs assisted dying bill in 'landmark moment'

MSPs have approved the general principles of legislation that could introduce assisted dying for terminally ill Scots in a landmark vote at Holyrood. The Scottish Parliament voted by 70 votes to 56 in favour of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill introduced by Liberal Democrat Liam McArthur, with one abstention.

The vote came after almost five hours of debate by MSPs on the controversial subject. Mr McArthur said: "This is a landmark moment for Scotland."

While he accepted that deciding how to vote had been "difficult" for many of the MSPs, he added: "I believe the quality of debate today has shown our Parliament at its finest."

He added: "This Bill has been a long time coming but, at long last, it can offer that compassionate choice for the small number of terminally ill Scots who need it."

Ally Thomson, director of Dignity in Dying Scotland, hailed the stage one vote as a "watershed moment for compassion".

She added: "MSPs have today taken a historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying people.

"The Scottish Parliament has listened to dying people and is reflecting their views. Many will be feeling overwhelming relief and gratitude that today our country has moved towards a safer and more compassionate law."

A number of high-profile MSPs, including First Minister John Swinney, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, and former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf had all voted against the Bill, along with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.

Holyrood had previously rejected two bids to legalise assisted dying at the first vote, with MSPs voting down similar proposals in both 2010 and 2015.

However, with the Parliament having backed the general principles of his Bill, it will now go forward for further scrutiny and amendments.

It will only become law if MSPs approve it in a final vote, which should take place later this year.

Mr McArthur said: "Over the coming months, I will continue to have discussions with my parliamentary colleagues, medical bodies and legal experts to ensure that this Bill is robustly safeguarded so that terminally ill adults can have the choice of accessing assisted dying, alongside other palliative care and support at the end of life."

It comes as Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's assisted dying bill is due to be debated by MPs in the House of Commons this week.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was supported by a majority of MPs in a historic vote in November.

MPs will debate and likely vote on various amendments as part of the Bill's report stage this Friday.