Scotcast - Why did the assisted dying bill fail?

Why did the assisted dying bill fail?

Download Why did the assisted dying bill fail?

MSPs have rejected a bill brought forward by Liam McArthur (pictured) which would have allowed a medically assisted death for terminally ill people with six months left to live.

We ask the BBC’s Scotland Editor and Newscast regular James Cook how a majority of MSPs went from supporting the bill in May 2025 to voting it down 10 months later.

Scotcast is the BBC's Scottish news podcast. This episode was hosted by Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Published on Wednesday, 18th March 2026.

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