Welsh Assisted Dying Bill Faces Hurdles After Commons Vote

Senedd’s Veto Power Diminished, Lords to Scrutinize

A pivotal vote in the House of Commons has altered the course of the assisted dying legislation in Wales, removing a potential hurdle. The Senedd’s authority over the law’s implementation is now limited. The House of Lords is set to review the bill next.

Parliamentary Maneuvers

Lawmakers reversed a prior amendment. It had granted Members of the Senedd (MSs) the authority to decide when the assisted dying law would come into force. The Senedd can still establish regulations for assisted dying services in Wales. However, the UK government also has the same power.

MPs supported the bill entirely on Friday afternoon. The vote resulted in a narrow majority of 23 votes. Members were able to vote according to their personal beliefs rather than party lines.

“The bill gives the UK parliament the power to impose the law on the Senedd, despite having rejected the idea.”

—Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrat MP

The bill’s success hinges on the House of Lords’ upcoming scrutiny. The Senedd will make a key decision regarding the legislation. This vote, expected in the autumn, is not legally binding. It is supposed to be considered by the UK Parliament. This outcome could signal if the Welsh government is willing to pass its regulations for the system. In 2022, 286,271 people in the UK died, with over 1% having received palliative care. (Office for National Statistics).

Complex Legal Landscape

Criminal justice falls under Westminster’s jurisdiction, while health is managed in Cardiff Bay. The legislation in England and Wales addresses both areas.

The Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater, proposed amendments to remove commencement powers for the Senedd. These were initially added by Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney.

Leadbeater’s amendments regarding the Senedd’s powers passed with a majority of 50. Supporters of the amendments argued that the changes better acknowledge that criminal law is not the Senedd’s responsibility.

Divergent Views

More Welsh Labour MPs supported Leadbeater’s amendment than opposed it. Senior figures such as Chris Bryant, Torsten Bell, Stephen Kinnock, and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens backed the changes. The Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick also voted for the amendment.

The opposing votes included Welsh Labour MPs Stephen Doughty, Chris Evans, and Nick Thomas-Symonds. All four Plaid Cymru MPs, who otherwise support the legislation, voted against the amendment.

The bill drafted by Leadbeater would permit individuals over 18 with less than six months to live to receive medical aid to end their lives.