Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHarriette BoucherFriday 11 September 2026 22:34 BSTEsther Rantzen's daughter says assisted dying bill failing is 'democratic vandalism'MPs have voted against legalising assisted dying in England and Wales, rejecting the proposed legislation by 286 votes to 270.Terminally ill campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen described the decision as a tragic day, expressing sadness that people in the UK will not have the choices available in other countries.The draft bill would have allowed adults with less than six months to live to apply for an assisted death with authorisation from two doctors and a specialist panel.Dame Esther, who joined the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland, previously stated she is now too physically fragile to travel abroad to end her life.Sponsoring Labour MP Lauren Edwards called the vote heartbreaking, while opponents welcomed the result, citing concerns over inadequate safeguards for vulnerable individuals.In fullDame Esther Rantzen says it is a ‘tragic day’ after assisted dying bill is rejectedMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in