Assisted dying bill rejected by narrow margin, campaigners claim democracy undermined

The House of Commons rejected the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill by a margin of 16 votes, with the final tally at 286 against 270. Campaigners allege that a handful of peers introduced over 1,000 amendments, effectively overturning the Commons' earlier support. Outside Parliament, supporters in pink hugged, wept and held signs, condemning what they described as a hijacking of democracy.

Personal testimonies from terminally ill patients and bereaved relatives underscored the emotional impact, citing high costs and the need to travel abroad for assisted death. Critics of the bill argued safety and coercion concerns, while proponents vowed to continue the fight for legislative change.