Fact Check: "Assisted dying law passes in England and Wales by a narrow 23 votes."
What We Know
On October 25, 2023, Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK voted to approve the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which aims to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales. The bill passed by a narrow margin of 23 votes, with the final tally being 314 votes in favor and 291 against. This vote marks a significant step forward for the legislation, which will now progress to the House of Lords for further consideration.
The debate surrounding the bill has been notably divisive, cutting across traditional party lines. Prominent figures from both the Conservative and Labour parties voted in favor, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while others, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, opposed it. The bill's passage reflects a growing acceptance of assisted dying among some lawmakers, despite significant opposition from various health organizations and advocacy groups concerned about its implications for vulnerable populations.
Analysis
The claim that the assisted dying law passed by a narrow margin of 23 votes is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. The BBC reported the vote count clearly, stating that the bill was approved by 314 to 291, confirming the 23-vote margin. Similarly, Sky News and ABC12 provided consistent reporting on the vote outcome, emphasizing the contentious nature of the debate and the mixed responses from lawmakers.
The sources used for this fact-check are credible and well-established news organizations, which typically adhere to journalistic standards of accuracy and impartiality. The BBC, Sky News, and ABC12 are recognized for their thorough reporting and fact-checking processes, enhancing the reliability of the information presented.
However, it is essential to note that the passage of the bill does not mean that assisted dying is now legal; it must still be debated and approved by the House of Lords, where further amendments and discussions are expected. The concerns raised by various health organizations and advocacy groups about the potential risks to vulnerable individuals add complexity to the narrative surrounding the bill's implications.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the assisted dying law passed in England and Wales by a narrow margin of 23 votes is accurate. The vote count of 314 to 291 confirms this, and the reporting from multiple credible sources supports the assertion. The ongoing debate and the next steps in the legislative process will be crucial in determining the future of assisted dying laws in the UK.
Sources
- MPs narrowly back legalising assisted dying in England and Wales ... - BBC Link
- MPs narrowly back legalising assisted dying in England ... - BBC Link
- Assisted dying bill PASSES making it one step closer to being legal - The Sun Link
- MPs back legalising assisted dying in England and Wales after historic ... - Sky News Link
- Britain's lawmakers vote to allow assisted dying, after ... - ABC12 Link
