Serious, impassioned, thoughtful and non-tribal – party politics were put aside.
Parliament has taken a step towards a monumental social change in England and Wales, voting in favour of assisted dying.
There were tears in the chamber and sombre reflection as MPs grappled with the enormity of the decision before them. The visceral debate brought up deep wells of emotion as MPs spoke of lost loved ones.
Voices cracked and tissues were found buried at the bottom of handbags as the case was made for and against. There was passion and conviction on both sides.
Conservative former minister Andrew Mitchell revealed he changed his mind on assisted dying after finding himself with “tears pouring down my face” on hearing the stories of constituents whose loved ones had died “in great pain and great indignity”.
On the other side of the argument, Labour MP Diane Abbott said assisted dying could result in sick people “feeling like a burden” on society, adding: “I can imagine myself saying that in particular circumstances.”
And Conservative MP Danny Kruger, a leading opponent, said he believed Parliament can do “better” for terminally ill people than a “state suicide service”. Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier spoke movingly of her memories of her once very ill daughter, tears rising as she did so. “Our best friends were the pain nurses,” she said, movingly.
Thoughtful, passionate, honest. It’s not often those words are written about MPs.
Even on days of crunch votes, it’s usually clear which way the wind is blowing. On Friday morning, no MP could call it, although by late morning some thought the ayes were in the lead.
Although the chamber was packed, around 200 MPs were not on the green benches, making it hard to judge the final outcome. Those who’d felt the mood turn towards the ayes turned out to be correct – 330 MPs voted in favour of changing the law, with 275 against.
Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP who had proposed the bill – and who has been under enormous pressure for weeks – had to leave the chamber midway through the debate because she was so nauseous.
“She’s been working 13-hour days since the bill was announced,” a friend said, as Leadbeater reappeared downing a bottle of water. “She’s never steered a bill before.”
Her parents, Jean and Gordon Leadbeater, had come down from their home in Spen Valley to watch the result from the public gallery. They’re the parents of murdered MP Jo Cox, Kim’s sister, and must be extraordinarily proud of their two daughters.
Diminutive Leadbeater never wanted to be an MP in the first place and took over her sister’s seat after her death. When fate gave her the winning ticket in the private members’ bill ballot, she could have chosen any manner of issues to champion. On Friday, the private members’ bill being debated directly after hers was about importing ferrets.
“Kim does not choose the easy path in life,” Leadbeater’s friend added. Instead, she took the unlit path and made herself the lightning rod for abuse in the last few weeks. And however many hugs of support were offered to her by MPs from all parties – and there were lots – the pressure was clearly overwhelming.
“Kim shouldn’t have had to carry this alone – the Government should have done it properly in Government time,” a Tory MP said. A Liberal Democrat MP agreed: “The Government just want this to go away,” they added.
When she was an MP, Jo Cox voted for a similar bill nine years ago. After the vote, Leadbeater told Sky News: “Jo went in to politics to make a difference. I’ve done exactly the same and I know she’d be extremely proud.” Lump in the throat time.
But some MPs turning up to Westminster on Friday morning still hadn’t decided how they would vote, saying they were waiting to hear from colleagues before making up their minds.
One Labour MP who voted against the bill said they decided long ago. “Some people are exploring their views, their morals on the floor of the House. I find that odd,” they said. Another Labour MP said that while they had made their mind up some time ago, they had decided to wait until the last minute to go public, to demonstrate they were still in listening mode.
Others were conflicted. “I’m going to vote for it, but I almost wish it doesn’t pass so it goes away,” a female MP said in advance of the vote. “It’s brought up so much emotion,” she added, thumbing away mascara that had dripped down her face.
“I can see both sides, I really can, but I’m not going to vote for it,” a Tory MP told The i Paper. “I just don’t think the NHS is up to it.”
A male MP was more laconic. “God, it’s intense in there,” he said, jerking his thumb at the House of Commons chamber as he beetled off to grab a lunchtime sandwich.
The sentiment expressed on the floor of the house was a symptom of a Britain still uncomfortable talking about dying, of some people who thought perhaps they had processed their grief, only to find it closer to the surface than they’d expected.
Some been-around-the-block tough nuts, used to adopting a doctor-like professionalism and detachment when dealing with constituents’ problems, said they were surprised at how emotional they had become. “This bill is so important; it makes other things look inconsequential,” a Tory MP said.
As MPs gathered to hear the results of the vote, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was seen chatting with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Tory MP David Davis. This was a day when the normal tribal rules of engagement didn’t apply.
Supporters of the assisted dying bill cheered, wept and hugged each other outside Parliament as the news came through on their phones. Inside, MPs milled around briefly, quietly digesting the result. Those disappointed with the result said later they expected the Government would have to increase funding for palliative care anyway, counting that as a partial win.
The bill will next go to committee stage where MPs can table amendments, starting in January. With parliamentary back and forth, it’s likely it won’t come into force until 2028 at the earliest. An already fervent campaign from religious groups and MPs who are against the measures will likely be stepped up.
And some MPs said they were lending their support on Friday so the bill can be considered further, but not guaranteeing they will back the bill later on. The so-called third reading, when MPs must decide on the matter for the final time, will come in about six months.
“There is plenty of time to get this right,” Leadbeater told the BBC. “We have shown Parliament in its best light today. Very respectful, very compassionate debate, irrespective of the different views that people hold.”
Exhausted but elated and first hurdle past, Leadbeater headed home. Nobody deserves a weekend off more than her.
