MPs have approved a bill allowing terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to end their own lives, in an historic vote, which saw a backing of 314 votes to 291.

The Terminally Ill Adults Bill will now be looked over by the House of Lords.

The bill was backed with a majority of 23 MPs, but in November it was passed by 55. Since coming to the forefront of political discussion, it has been the centre of controversy, with worries that it will negatively impact the most vulnerable people in society, with some claiming the bill is ‘ableist’ towards disabled people.

However, others have said it will be a positive move, allowing people with capacity the ability to end their own life on their own terms, and avoid pain and suffering.

As people gathered outside Westminster to show support or protest, gathering MPs made their votes, including David Chadwick, MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe.

Speaking as a Member of Parliament for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, Mr Chadwick confirmed that he voted in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill. “After carefully considering the arguments on both sides, I voted in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill because I believe people with terminal illnesses deserve the right to die with dignity and control and that the legislation has the necessary safeguards to do this in a safe way.

“This was not a decision I came to lightly, and I’d like to thank all the constituents who contacted me to let me know their views on the issue, whatever side of the debate you were on.

“I have heard too many stories of families forced to watch loved ones suffer unnecessarily, and as a Liberal and someone driven by compassion, I feel the law should allow for someone to make a clear, informed, and voluntary choice at the end of their life in a dignified and humane manner.

“Throughout this process, I have been struck by the thoughtful and respectful debate on both sides, driven by compassion and deep personal conviction, and while people may disagree, we have done so and continue to do so civilly and with empathy.”

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill allows terminally ill adults to end their life if they meet certain requirements, which include being over 18, living in England or Wales, and registered with a GP for at least 12 months. They must have mental capacity to make the choice, and they must be deemed to have made that choice without coercion or pressure. They are expected to die within six months. They will have to make two separate declarations of their wish to die, with witnesses and signed by witnesses. They must also satisfy two separate doctors that they are eligible, with at least seven days between assessments. If approved, the patient will have to wait fourteen days before proceeding.