Friday briefing: The history, controversy and morality behind the assisted dying bill

Campaigners from the group Dignity in Dying gathered in Parliament Square, central London, in support of the assisted dying bill. Photograph: Lucy North/PA

Good morning. Today, MPs will gather in the Houses of Parliament to debate and vote on one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in recent history. The bill, titled terminally ill adults (end of life) bill, would legalise assisted dying in England and Wales for terminally ill adults who have been given less than six months to live.

MPs have been given a free vote, meaning they can follow their conscience instead of supporting a party-mandated position. They have been carefully examining the bill and listening to various interest groups and campaigners.