Emotional campaigners celebrated as the result was announced (Image: Humphrey Nemar)
There were tears of joy and sighs of relief among campaigners when Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle finally declared: “The ayes have it!”
A carefully balanced debate meant the result appeared to rest on a knife edge even as MPs headed for the division lobbies.
But quiet confidence in Kim Leadbeater’s camp on Friday morning proved correct and the Bill passed its second reading by a slim majority of 55 votes.
Among those watching intently from the public gallery was terminally ill cancer patient Nathaniel Dye, 38. The music teacher, who has stage four bowel cancer, told the Express: “It wasn’t easy to hear the bleak future of my final weeks and months discussed at such length but I applaud the MPs who spoke so thoughtfully on such a sensitive issue.
“Just as I had hoped as a proud democrat, Parliament showed itself at its best today. Not least Kim Leadbeater who has done herself the greatest credit in the passionate, patient and sensitive way in which she has conducted herself in putting the Bill through Parliament.
“I am proud to say I know Kim because she has been the greatest champion for the most vulnerable in society – dying people, like me, at their darkest hour.”
As Dame Esther says, the work must now continue. This is only the start of a lengthy process which could still see the Bill thwarted in future votes.
Some MPs noted in messages to constituents that they were supporting the Bill in principle at second reading but could reject it later if concerns about the details were not sufficiently addressed.
Others who voted against the Bill have made it clear they will never be persuaded, no matter how tightly the legislation is drawn.
The Committee stage will provide an opportunity to thoroughly examine the practicalities of introducing assisted dying in England and Wales. Supporters must hope the process allows time for some myths to be debunked and genuine fears allayed.
Nathaniel acknowledged that there was still “a long way to go towards passing the Bill into law”. He added: “Our tireless work in advocating for assisted dying is far from over. But today, we celebrate.
“Because kindness, compassion, dignity and the liberty of choice have won the argument and, today, my faith in the good of humanity has been well and truly affirmed.
“That this Bill has progressed and that I might live to see (and perhaps benefit from) a change in the law gives me hope but also reminds me why I get up every day to fight cancer in the face of certain death. Some causes really are worth fighting for and I am nothing if not a fighter.”
Dame Esther’s courage in speaking out about her diagnosis, combined with the bravery of all those who shared their stories in the pages of this newspaper, helped bring this vital issue out of the shadows.
For some, it meant reliving their most painful memories. One widow told me after recounting her husband’s story: “I’ll be upset for a couple of hours, but it’s worth it if this helps to change the law for others.”
Campaign group Dignity in Dying has been on the frontline of efforts to legalise assisted dying for decades.
Sarah Wootton, chief executive for the last 17 years, said yesterday’s vote marked “a historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying people.
“Parliament has listened to dying people and is reflecting their views, at last. Many will be feeling overwhelming relief and gratitude that, today, our country has moved closer than ever before to a safer and more compassionate law.
“Today, MPs have voted for choice, safety and compassion. They have expressed the will of the British people and have made history. Now we must make the choice of assisted dying a reality.”
Campaigners could have wished for no better MP than the indomitable Ms Leadbeater to lead the latest historic push for change.
Parliamentarians on both sides of the debate have expressed admiration for the way she conducted her campaign, showing huge respect for all perspectives and taking the time to meet with those who disagreed with her.
In the end, however, it was likely the undeniable strength of public opinion that won the day.
Many MPs, particularly those newly elected to Parliament, held surveys or dedicated surgeries on assisted dying to check the temperature of support among constituents.
With their post boxes overflowing and emails streaming in, it was likely clear to many that the will of the people could no longer be ignored.
As the Express has said for almost three years, the time has come to .