On this page we have summarised how legislation to introduce assisted dying is progressing across the UK, and how Hospice UK has been engaging with the parliamentary process.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was introduced into the House of Commons by Kim Leadbeater MP on 16 October 2024. The full text of the Bill was published on 11 November.
The Bill enters the Committee Stage in the House of Lords on 14 November. We will update our members as the process continues.
Key milestones
On Friday 12 and Friday 19 September, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill had its Second Reading debate in the House of Lords.
We have prepared this briefing for members which summarises the debate and outlines next steps for the Bill.
On Friday 20 June, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons, with a majority of 23 MPs voting in favour.
On Friday 13 June 2025, the Bill returned to the House of Commons for a second Report Stage debate.
During the session, MPs debated and agreed a number of amendments to the Bill. These include an important amendment that requires the Health Secretary to consult with palliative and end-of-life care providers when developing guidance, if the Bill becomes law.
On Friday 16 May 2025, the Bill returned to the House of Commons for its Report Stage. This saw MPs debate a range of specific proposed changes to the Bill.
We produced a briefing for members which explains the changes made to the Bill, key issues raised in the debate, and our response.
On 25 March 2025 the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill completed its Committee Stage. During this stage, MPs - including Social Care Minister Stephen Kinnock - examined the Bill in detail and considered amendments.
Read our briefing for hospices summarising changes to the Bill, as well as remaining challenges and next steps.
On 29 November 2024, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill received its Second Reading in the House of Commons, where it was passed in principal, with a final vote of 330 to 275.
On 23 October 2024, Senedd Cymru debated a motion in support of assisted dying following the Westminster proposals to change the law in England and Wales.
The Senedd does not have the powers to directly legislate on assisted dying, but would play a key role in its delivery through the devolved health and social care system if it ever becomes law. The non-binding motion was defeated: 26 Members of the Senedd voted against, 19 voted in favour and nine abstained.
Over half the Members involved in the debate raised the need to improve access to, and investment in, palliative care and hospice services.
In his formal response, the new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles MS said improving palliative and end of life care and the sustainability of hospice provision in Wales were key priorities for Welsh Government.
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Assisted dying webinar for members in England and Wales
Watch a recording of our most recent webinar, from 9 May 2025.
The legislation is now awaiting Royal Assent, after which a period of implementation will follow before the law comes into effect.
Jersey
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The Jersey States Assembly voted in favour of establishing assisted dying for adults with a terminal illness, who have a life expectancy of six months (or 12 months if they have a neurodegenerative disease).
To date, the Northern Ireland Assembly has not considered assisted dying.
Naomi Long, Justice Minister, has stated that she considers any proposed change to end of life care (including to allow for assisted dying) to be primarly a matter for the Department of Health.
If the Republic of Ireland passes legislation permitting assisted dying, this could have an impact on hospices in Northern Ireland (depending on the eligibility criteria).
The Scottish Government maintained a neutral position on the Bill during Stage 1of the parliamentary process, and Scottish Ministers had a free vote on the Bill.
We have been advised that amendments to the Bill will be considered throughout November, with the Stage 2 Committee vote expected to take place at the end of November.
Key milestones
The deadline for MSPs to formally submit amendments for the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill was 29 October 2025. The first meeting of the Committee to consider amendments was on Tuesday 4 November.
We've put together a briefing for our members sharing the full detail of the amendments we have submitted, and an update on the current position.
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee published their scrutiny report of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill on 30th April 2025. We prepared a briefing for members on the content of the scrutiny report.
The Stage 1 debate and a vote on whether the Parliament supports the principles of the Bill was held on Tuesday 13th May 2025. The Parliament voted in favour of the Bill.
The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee have not, so far, issued a call for views but have written to Liam McArthur with a number of questions.
Before the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill was published, a Medical Advisory Group was formed to explore the healthcare-related issues and to offer advice and direction to Liam McArthur MSP.
