Britain’s parliament has taken a significant step towards legalising assisted dying after a bill passed its first hurdle in the House of Commons on Friday. In a passionate debate, 330 lawmakers voted in favour of the "Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)" bill, while 275 voted against it.
The bill, which aims to allow terminally ill adults to seek assistance to end their lives, will now undergo several months of further debate. The legislation will be reviewed in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, where it could be amended before it is potentially passed into law. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP who introduced the bill, has stated that she anticipates the process could take up to six months.
The vote has reignited a longstanding and emotive debate over the issue of assisted dying, which has sharply divided public opinion in the UK. Supporters of the bill argue that it offers compassionate choice to those suffering from incurable illnesses, while opponents raise concerns about the implications for palliative care and the potential for abuse.
As the bill progresses, it is expected to spark further discussions on the standards of care for the terminally ill, with some critics warning that improving palliative care should take precedence over introducing assisted dying legislation.
The outcome of this vote marks the beginning of a crucial period in which lawmakers will carefully scrutinise the bill and its provisions, as the nation grapples with a complex and highly sensitive issue.
From Wednesday, European visitors to Britain will need to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving, as the UK implements new pre-entry screening measures to tighten border controls.
Britain has advised its nationals to evacuate South Sudan as fears of renewed civil war grow following the collapse of a fragile peace deal.
Britain's King Charles was briefly hospitalized due to temporary side effects from cancer treatment and has cancelled Friday’s engagements on medical advice.
Britain recorded 19,125 potential modern slavery victims in 2024, surpassing previous figures. Experts urge policy reforms as stricter immigration laws leave victims afraid to seek help.
Britain's Royal Navy confirmed on Wednesday that it has been monitoring a Russian warship and a merchant vessel navigating through the North Sea and English Channel.
Chinese battery giant CATL is in talks to acquire a controlling stake in Nio’s power unit, which operates over 3,000 battery swapping stations across China. This deal highlights Nio's efforts to strengthen its position in the competitive EV market and expand its charging infrastructure.
Indonesia seeks a fair and equal trade relationship with the U.S. after the imposition of a 32% tariff, aiming for diplomacy and negotiations instead of retaliation. The country is considering increasing imports of U.S. goods and offering tax cuts in response to the tariffs.
Ongoing uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump's tariff strategy has driven Bitcoin's value below the $75,000 mark on Monday.
Spain’s Economy Minister, Carlos Cuerpo, is pushing the EU to expand financial aid for industries hit by U.S. tariffs. Spain recently unveiled a €14.1 billion support package and aims to secure broader EU countermeasures as trade tensions escalate between the U.S. and Europe.
Wikimedia Foundation has appealed an Indian court ruling that ordered the removal of allegedly defamatory content about ANI. This follows ANI's lawsuit over a Wikipedia description labelling it a "government propaganda tool", highlighting tensions in content regulation.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
Indonesia seeks a fair and equal trade relationship with the U.S. after the imposition of a 32% tariff, aiming for diplomacy and negotiations instead of retaliation. The country is considering increasing imports of U.S. goods and offering tax cuts in response to the tariffs.
Spain’s Economy Minister, Carlos Cuerpo, is pushing the EU to expand financial aid for industries hit by U.S. tariffs. Spain recently unveiled a €14.1 billion support package and aims to secure broader EU countermeasures as trade tensions escalate between the U.S. and Europe.
North Korea held its first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years, with foreign runners from China and Ethiopia. The event marked the country's gradual reopening post-pandemic, celebrating Kim Il Sung's birthday. The marathon symbolized North Korea's cautious return to normalcy.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 7th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Chinese battery giant CATL is in talks to acquire a controlling stake in Nio’s power unit, which operates over 3,000 battery swapping stations across China. This deal highlights Nio's efforts to strengthen its position in the competitive EV market and expand its charging infrastructure.
Indonesia seeks a fair and equal trade relationship with the U.S. after the imposition of a 32% tariff, aiming for diplomacy and negotiations instead of retaliation. The country is considering increasing imports of U.S. goods and offering tax cuts in response to the tariffs.
Ongoing uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump's tariff strategy has driven Bitcoin's value below the $75,000 mark on Monday.
Spain’s Economy Minister, Carlos Cuerpo, is pushing the EU to expand financial aid for industries hit by U.S. tariffs. Spain recently unveiled a €14.1 billion support package and aims to secure broader EU countermeasures as trade tensions escalate between the U.S. and Europe.
Wikimedia Foundation has appealed an Indian court ruling that ordered the removal of allegedly defamatory content about ANI. This follows ANI's lawsuit over a Wikipedia description labelling it a "government propaganda tool", highlighting tensions in content regulation.
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