A recent survey revealed that despite extensive discussions surrounding assisted dying legislation, the majority of Britons continue to support the proposed bill. The survey found that eight out of ten individuals remain in favor of the historic legislation, showing little change in public opinion since the bill was first introduced in Parliament.
Louise Shackleton, a widow who accompanied her husband to Dignitas for assisted dying, expressed her lack of surprise at the survey results. She criticized the debates as “disgusting and insulting,” emphasizing the strong public backing for the right to choose between suffering or a peaceful death. Shackleton highlighted that over 80% of the population consistently supports this choice, despite the opposition from a small minority of Peers.
The survey conducted by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) indicated that 79% of respondents believe assisted dying should be permitted. The findings from the British Social Attitudes survey also suggest continued support for a change in the law regarding assisted dying.
According to researchers, the ongoing debate in Parliament has had minimal impact on public sentiment. The survey results from over 1,000 participants in 2025 mirrored those from the previous year, indicating a stable and entrenched public opinion in favor of assisted dying legislation.
The proposed Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill aims to enable terminally ill individuals in England and Wales, with a prognosis of less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. The bill requires approval from two doctors and a panel consisting of various professionals before the process can proceed.
Despite the bill facing scrutiny in the House of Lords, supporters of the legislation accuse some Peers of attempting to delay or obstruct its progress. Opponents argue that the legislation is not currently safe for vulnerable individuals and requires significant amendments before it can be considered for enactment.
Overall, the survey results and ongoing discussions highlight the enduring public support for assisted dying legislation, emphasizing the need for timely and effective decision-making in Parliament to address the concerns of terminally ill individuals and their families.
