MSPs back assisted dying bill at first stage

Scotland has taken a step closer to the introduction of assisted dying after MSPs voted in favour of its general principles.

MSPs backed a bill introduced by Lib Dem Liam McArthur by 70 votes to 56.

The vote followed a day of debate in the Scottish Parliament, with protests by activists on both sides of the debate taking place outside the building.

Silent Witness actor Liz Carr, opposing the bill, was one of those to take part.

McArthur praised the contributions of critics of the bill, including Labour's Pam Duncan-Glancy, but said: "This is a landmark moment for Scotland. I am pleased that after four years of careful and diligent work, the Scottish Parliament has backed the general principles of my bill.

"I understand that for many colleagues this has been a difficult decision but I believe the quality of debate today has shown our parliament at its finest.

"Over the coming months, I will continue to have discussions with my parliamentary colleagues, medical bodies and legal experts to ensure that this bill is robustly safeguarded so that terminally ill adults can have the choice of accessing assisted dying, alongside other palliative care and support at the end of life.

"This bill has been a long time coming but, at long last, it can offer that compassionate choice for the small number of terminally ill Scots who need it."

The proposals will now move to stage two, where they can be amended, before a final vote is held.

MSPs were allowed a free vote on the matter, meaning they were not expected to vote along party lines.

First Minister John Swinney and his predecessors Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon voted against the measure, as did Labour leader Anas Sarwar.

Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater both backed it, along with Russell Findlay of the Conservatives.

Alba MSP Ash Regan was also opposed, with health secretary Neil Gray the only MSP to abstain. He explained this was in keeping with the Scottish Government's neutral stance.

Opponents of the bill said it carries safeguarding risks, with disabled people and women in abusive relationships said to be particularly at risk of coercion.

Supporters said those with terminal illnesses deserve the right to choose.

The Scottish vote will be followed by a separate ballot in Westminster on similar legislation relating to England and Wales, which will take place following the completion of its report stage, to begin on Friday.