Senedd votes in favour of implementing Westminster’s assisted dying bill

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Bethan McKernan, Wales correspondentFebruary 24, 2026 at 11:22 PM

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The Welsh Senedd voted in favor of implementing Westminster's assisted dying bill, addressing potential constitutional issues and access to services for terminally ill individuals. The vote, a legislative consent memorandum, focused on whether assisted dying services should be available through the Welsh NHS. Members voted 28-23 in favor, with two abstentions, though a further vote will be required after the Welsh elections if the bill passes the House of Lords. The vote was unusual due to its timing and free vote status for Labour, Conservative, and Plaid Cymru members. While the Senedd previously rejected assisted dying in principle, the current vote aims to influence amendments being debated in the House of Lords, as the UK Parliament did not grant the Senedd a veto on the bill's application in Wales. Concerns were raised regarding sovereignty and constitutional implications for Wales.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Scotland 40% Northern Ireland 40% England 50% House of Commons 50% Jeremy Miles 50% Adam Price 60% Plaid Cymru ×360% Welsh NHS 60% Westminster 70% House of Lords ×370% Wales ×790% Senedd ×990%

Keywords

assisted dying 100% senedd vote 80% westminster bill 70% legislative consent memorandum 60% constitutional implications 60% house of lords 50% devolved issues 50% welsh nhs 50% sovereignty issues 40% ethical objections 40%