MSPs to vote on assisted dying in Scotland

Campaigners have gathered outside the Scottish parliament ahead of a vote on plans to legalise assisted dying.

MSP Liam McArthur tabled the bill which, if eventually passed, would allow terminally ill adults to seek medical help to end their lives.

It comes after MPs voted in favour of similar proposals for England and Wales.

Ahead of the stage one vote of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, Mr McArthur joined a rally of supporters outside Holyrood.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat politician said: "I think this is potentially a historic day for the Scottish parliament.

"I took part in and voted on the last two occasions parliament had an opportunity to consider a bill such as this.

"Today feels very different. Political mood has shifted dramatically over the last 10 years.

"So, I'm hopeful that a majority of my MSP colleagues will back the general principles and at least allow parliament the opportunity to consider the detail, consider amendments to the bill before it's asked to take a final vote."

Supporters believe the bill will ease the suffering of dying Scots, while opponents argue it would fail to safeguard some of the most vulnerable people in society.

The stage one vote will take place on Tuesday evening.

Campaigners from both sides will continue to stage demonstrations outside the Scottish parliament as MSPs prepare to cast their votes.

If the bill passes, it will face further votes at the committee stage and in the chamber before it could become law.

If it fails at stage one, it is highly unlikely to be reintroduced before the Holyrood election next year.

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While political parties will allow free votes, both First Minister John Swinney and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes have already said they will vote against the bill, as has Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.

Former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf are also opposed.

Dr Miro Griffiths, spokesman for Better Way, a campaign which opposes assisted dying, urged MSPs to vote against the bill.

"As a disabled person and academic, I fear the consequences of an assisted suicide law," he said.

"Polling clearly shows that the public have serious concerns about the implications of a law change for vulnerable groups - even people who might support it in principle.

"Legislating for this practice would send a regressive message that disabled people's lives are not worth living."