UK Commons near vote on assisted dying bill amid NHS funding concerns

The UK Parliament is set to vote on the assisted dying bill, which would allow terminally ill patients in England and Wales to end their lives under strict conditions, including a six-month life expectancy. Supporters, led by MP Kim Leadbeater, argue the bill offers choice and dignity at the end of life and is the most robust legislation of its kind globally. However, opponents, including palliative care doctors and some MPs, warn the bill oversimplifies complex end-of-life issues, lacks sufficient safeguards, and risks pressuring vulnerable individuals. A key concern is the financial impact on the NHS, with no allocated funding for implementing an assisted dying service, raising fears it could divert resources from essential care and potentially weaken the health system. The debate has deeply divided MPs across party lines, with some comparing it to the Brexit dispute in terms of its intensity and potential to strain political relationships. The outcome of Friday's vote will determine if the bill progresses, amid ongoing controversy over ethical, financial, and practical implications.