UK Parliament Prepares for Assisted Dying Vote

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is preparing for a crucial Commons vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalize assisted dying, scheduled for November 29. While he has historically supported the decriminalization of assisted suicide, he has recently declined to indicate how he will vote, emphasizing the importance of a neutral stance and allowing MPs to make personal decisions. The government remains neutral, and many Labour MPs are undecided, with over 100 still weighing their positions ahead of the vote. Starmer's earlier commitments to campaigner Esther Rantzen, who is advocating for the change due to her terminal illness, further complicate his current reticence. Tensions within the Cabinet are evident, especially with Health Secretary Wes Streeting publicly opposing the proposed legislation, which has drawn criticism from Starmer and others. The outcome remains uncertain as MPs navigate a deeply personal and contentious issue amidst varying opinions within their ranks.