THE Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, spearheaded by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, has passed its second reading in the House of Commons with a majority of 55 votes. A historic 330 MPs supported the measure, while 275 opposed it.

The bill proposes allowing terminally ill adults with less than six months to live the option to seek medical assistance to end their lives. Following Friday’s (Nov 29) vote, the legislation will now progress to the committee stage for detailed scrutiny. It will also be debated in the House of Lords before potentially becoming law.

MPs divided over assisted dying

The vote was conducted as a free vote, enabling MPs to act according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves were among those who backed the proposal. However, other senior figures, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, voted against it, citing concerns over coercion and fears of a “slippery slope” towards euthanasia.

A five-hour debate in the Commons saw emotional arguments on both sides. Former Conservative minister Andrew Mitchell shared his shift in perspective, recounting the moving stories of constituents who watched loved ones suffer “in great pain and indignity.”

In contrast, Labour veteran Diane Abbott expressed concerns that the bill could pressure vulnerable individuals, stating: “Sick people may feel like a burden on society.” She warned that passing the bill could see the NHS become “a fully-funded 100% suicide service,” while palliative care remains underfunded.

‘Choice and dignity’ at the heart of the bill

Introducing the bill, Ms Leadbeater emphasised the importance of giving terminally ill patients “choice, autonomy, and dignity,” arguing the current law is failing them.

“This is about ensuring that those who are dying are afforded the care and respect they deserve,” she said, highlighting the bill’s stringent safeguards.

Under the proposed law, two independent doctors and a high-court judge must approve each case. Additionally, patients would need to self-administer the medication, ensuring their consent is clear and voluntary. The bill also imposes a 14-year prison sentence for anyone found to have coerced a person into seeking assisted dying.

Supporters rally outside Parliament

Outside the Commons, campaigners from Dignity in Dying held a demonstration in support of the bill. Protesters called for legal changes to provide terminally ill individuals with greater control over their end-of-life choices.

The debate continues to divide public opinion, but Friday’s vote marks a significant step towards potentially changing the law in England and Wales.

The legislation will now undergo further examination in committee and will face additional debate in the House of Lords. Both sides of the debate are preparing for intense scrutiny of the proposed safeguards and ethical implications.

Tonight, Pembrokeshire’s own Angharad James-Turner will captain the Cymru Women’s national football team in the first leg of their crucial Euro 2025 play-off final against the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff. As the youngest player ever to accumulate 100 caps for Cymru, Angharad’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as Cymru battles for a spot in next summer’s European Championship.

A Star in the making

Angharad James’ footballing career began in the heart of Pembrokeshire, where she first showcased her talent with local club Manorbier Ladies, not far from her hometown of Haverfordwest. Her ability on the pitch quickly caught the attention of larger clubs, and at 16, she joined the Arsenal Academy. By 2011, she had made her debut for Arsenal in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, marking the start of an illustrious career.

From there, James has played for an impressive array of clubs across the globe, including Notts County, Yeovil Town, Everton, Reading, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, and Tottenham Hotspur. Her versatility as a midfielder, as well as her time playing as a fullback at Spurs, has earned her a reputation as an exceptional player who can control the game and set up her teammates with key assists​

Now 30, James has become the heartbeat of the Welsh national team. She was named Cymru captain in October 2024, taking over the leadership role from Sophie Ingle. Despite the big shoes to fill, Angharad has proven herself to be more than capable, leading her team through tough qualifiers, including the pivotal play-offs for Euro 2025​

A champion on and off the pitch

Angharad’s international career is nothing short of remarkable. She made her senior debut for Wales at just 17 and reached 100 caps in 2022, the same day Wales qualified for the World Cup play-offs for the first time. Her contribution to Welsh football has been pivotal, and she was named to represent Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics​

Off the pitch, Angharad is equally impressive. She’s a proud Welsh speaker and regularly conducts interviews in Welsh, despite the challenges of living abroad for much of her career. In a recent social media post, she spoke about her ongoing commitment to the language, sharing her belief that it’s important to keep Welsh alive and accessible​

In addition to her football career, Angharad is also a proud co-owner of a coffee van, “Two Sides Grind,” which she runs with her partner Amy James-Turner and their dog, Betsy. The duo is working towards one day owning a coffee shop, demonstrating Angharad’s entrepreneurial spirit​

A historic moment for Pembrokeshire

For those in Pembrokeshire, Angharad’s journey is a point of immense pride. From her early days in Manorbier to becoming the captain of Wales, she is an inspiration to young athletes across the county. Her determination, humility, and skill make her a true role model, not only in Wales but around the world.

As Cymru takes on the Republic of Ireland in tonight’s crucial first leg, Angharad James-Turner’s leadership will be central to their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2025. Whatever the outcome, Pembrokeshire can be proud of one of their own leading the charge for Welsh football at the highest level.

Wales v Ireland – how to follow all the action

Wales v Republic of Ireland (first leg)

29th of November, Cardiff City Stadium. K.O. 19:15pm

• Match Of The Day Wales – BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer
• Radio Wales Sport and Chwaraeon Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds
• Follow all updates on the BBC Sport website and app.

Republic of Ireland v Wales (second leg)

3rd of December, Aviva Stadium. K.O. 19:30pm

• Match Of The Day Wales – BBC One Wales, BBC Three and BBC iPlayer
• Radio Wales Sport and Chwaraeon Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds
• Follow all updates on the BBC Sport website and app.

A TOTAL of 19 individuals have been fined for littering offences after failing to pay fixed penalties and being taken to court by Pembrokeshire County Council.

At Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 28), fines ranged from £123 to £220, with additional victim surcharges and costs bringing the total penalties for each case to as much as £574.66.

Among those prosecuted, Flavius Andrei, aged 35, of Tenby, was fined £220 for discarding a cigarette butt on St Julian Street, Tenby, in April. In a separate case, Lee Cureton, aged 47, from Bristol, was also fined £220 for dropping a cigarette butt on the Esplanade in Tenby.

Further fines were issued to Pembrokeshire residents. Kelly Edwards, 35, of Pembroke Dock, and Darren Ferrier, 38, from Swansea, were fined £220 each for littering on Dimond Street and Gordon Street in Pembroke Dock, respectively.

Other notable cases included Toni Fletcher, 52, from Hereford, whose guilty plea led to a reduced fine of £123 after littering on St George’s Street, Tenby. Similarly, Tom Ryan, 38, from Dinas Cross, received a £133 fine for discarding a cigarette at Haverfordwest Railway Station.

Despite warnings and enforcement efforts, the offenders either failed to appear in court or had their cases proved in absence. The offences primarily involved cigarette butts, but one individual, Sally Owen, 61, from Newcastle, was accused of discarding a soft drink can in Haverfordwest. Her case was withdrawn.

Pembrokeshire County Council continues to crack down on littering to preserve the area’s environment. A spokesperson said: “These prosecutions highlight the importance of keeping our public spaces clean and the consequences for those who disregard the law.”

Fines from these cases totalled over £11,800, including victim surcharges and court costs, demonstrating the financial implications of littering offences.