England and Wales assisted dying bill formally launched in House of Commons

Dignity in Dying campaigners gather in Parliament Square, central London, in support of the assisted dying bill. Photograph: Lucy North/PA

A bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales has been formally introduced in the House of Commons, triggering what is expected to be intense discussion over the coming weeks and months on an emotionally charged and controversial issue.

MPs will hold their first debate on the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s private member’s bill on 29 November. They will be given a free vote on the bill, meaning they can vote according to individual conscience.