MPs reject assisted dying bill after tense debate – UK politics live

The bill would have allowed terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to end their lives, after the approval of a panel of experts While the debate continues, we have a comment from Sam Royston, executive director of research and policy at Marie Curie . He said the government must address the crisis in palliative care regardless of what happens with assisted dying, calling for a new framework and funding to ensure everyone has access to compassionate end-of-life care. He said: Whatever happens with assisted dying, the UK government must fix the crisis in palliative care. It is devastating that nearly one in three people die without the help they need. Too many spend their final days in pain or on busy, chaotic hospital wards, while families are left fighting for help instead of spending time with the people they love. I think it’s absolutely right that, for instance, the prime minister and the government have said that improving palliative care must be a priority for him and his government. I think that’s something that we can all support. I think everybody should have access to good quality palliative and hospice end-of-life care at their final moment.” Continue reading...