On Tuesday, in a decisive 69-57 vote, Liam McArthur’s assisted suicide Bill was defeated in the Scottish Parliament, representing a major win for opponents of euthanasia after two years of intense debate, in a parliament considered one of the most socially liberal worldwide. The result is likely to have serious implications for the comparable assisted suicide bill at Westminster and hopefully also on the debate taking place on the issue in Ireland.

The rejection of McArthur’s bill aligns with polling released this week indicating significant public concern about the proposal, particularly regarding its potential impact on vulnerable groups.

Research commissioned by the disability advocacy organisation Not Dead Yet UK found that 69% of Scottish adults believe improving access to care for people with disabilities should take priority over introducing such legislation. It was one of several polls pointing to widespread unease about the proposal.

Opposition from dozens of leading medical organisations and groups representing Scotland’s most vulnerable also proved decisive, playing a major role in Tuesday’s result.

McArthur, who brought forward the bill, serves as Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament.