A Controversial Shift: Welsh Parliament's Loss of Control Over Assisted Dying Legislation

In a shocking turn of events, the Senedd has lost its potential veto over assisted dying legislation as UK MPs voted to reverse an earlier amendment that would have empowered Members of the Senedd (MSs) to influence the law’s implementation. This change now allows both the UK government and the Senedd to create regulations surrounding assisted dying services in Wales. The bill, which passed the Commons with a vote of 314 to 291, included 24 Welsh MPs in support, while six opposed it.

The upcoming vote by the Senedd this autumn on whether to consent to the legislation remains critical, as the ramifications of not doing so are still unclear. There’s an ongoing concern regarding what would happen to terminally ill individuals seeking assisted deaths if the Welsh NHS remains uninvolved, and whether the UK government would intervene.

During the emotionally charged discussions, various MPs shared personal stories regarding end-of-life decisions. Liz Saville Roberts, leader of Plaid Cymru in Westminster, expressed disappointment that no Welsh MPs were given a platform to voice their opinions while MPs from Scotland and Northern Ireland spoke on a bill not applicable to their regions.

Some Labour MPs were influential in passing the bill, including those who previously opposed the amendment removing the Senedd’s commencement powers. Labour’s Kim Leadbeater asserted that this amendment was necessary to align the bill with the devolution settlement, while others cautioned it could lead to assisted dying being only accessible via the private sector in Wales. The debate highlighted the confusion surrounding devolved powers, with significant support for Leadbeater’s amendment reflecting the complexities of health and criminal law jurisdiction.

The upcoming Senedd vote will not be legally binding, yet it’s expected to be respected by the UK Parliament. Discussions have raised concerns regarding the adequacy of the current legislative framework and the implications for public perceptions if the Senedd attempts to block the assisted dying law after Parliament’s endorsement.