British lawmakers are set to decide Friday whether to legalize assisted dying, a contentious proposal that would make the United Kingdom one of a small handful of nations to allow terminally ill people to end their lives.

The bill passes the first stage in the Commons but will be followed by months of parliamentary activity before it becomes a law.

Laws around assisted dying are 'very likely’ to make their way to Ireland, according to a spokesperson for an advocacy group.

British lawmakers have voted to allow assisted dying, a move set to make the UK one of a small handful of countries to allow terminally ill people to end their lives.

After an impassioned debate, members of Parliament approved the so-called assisted dying bill by a vote of 330 to 275.

British lawmakers gave initial approval Friday to a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales.

Ruth Penrose said it could prevent others going through what Debbie Purdy, from Bradford, did with her primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) before she died in 2014. Ms Penr

Labour MP for Rother Valley, and co-sponsor of the Bill – said the proceedings showed “Parliament at its best”. This is an incorrect assessment.

Younger MPs, including the likes of Samuel Carling (left) and Keir Mather (right), were more likely to vote yes to the legislation with the average age of a yes voter being five years younger than no voters.