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.

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

British lawmakers started a historic debate Friday on a proposal to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, an issue that has divided Parliament as well as the country at large.

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.

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

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

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

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.