Britain's parliament voted in favour of a new bill to legalise assisted dying on Friday, opening the way for months of further debate on an issue that has divided the country and raised questions about the standard of palliative care.

Today, in a historic vote, MPs have voted in favour of a bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. After five hours of emotional debate the bill passed with 330 in favour to 275 against, at the first stage in the Commons.

UK Members of Parliament will hold a landmark vote on assisted dying on Friday as they decide whether to allow terminally ill people with less than six months to live to opt to end their own lives.