MPs vote in favour of Assisted Dying Bill after five-hour debate in House of Commons

Assisted dying could become legal in England and Wales after MPs back the bill after an historic vote in the House of Commons.

The bill will now move to the committee stage for scrutiny. The House of Lords will also be given the chance to give their views before the bill could become law.

The Assisted Dying Bill would allow adults who are terminally ill, with six months to live, to request medical assistance to end their lives.

Two independent doctors would need to approve the decision, followed by a high court judge and the person would administer the drugs themselves.

Legislation would include a 14-year prison sentence for anyone who persuades someone into requesting assisted dying or taking the medicine.

The debate was the first on assisted dying since 2015, which MPs voted against the proposal.

MPs were allowed to vote freely.