UK House of Commons approves bill to legalise assisted dying
London: The UK Parliament's House of Commons has voted in favour of legalising assisted dying, marking a significant step in the nation’s approach to end-of-life care. The bill, introduced by Kim Leadbeater, was passed with 330 votes to 275 following an extensive debate.
The proposed law allows terminally ill individuals with less than six months to live to opt for assisted dying, provided they are capable of making the decision independently. The process requires approval from two doctors and a High Court judge to ensure strict safeguards.
While the House of Lords and parliamentary committees must still review the legislation, the vote is seen as a critical milestone in the years-long campaign for assisted dying. If enacted, the UK will join countries like Canada, New Zealand, Spain, and several US states that have already legalised the practice.
The bill has sparked widespread debate, dividing lawmakers and the public. Proponents argue it ensures dignity for terminally ill patients, alleviating suffering and easing the burden on palliative care services. Esther Rantzen, a BBC presenter battling advanced lung cancer, urged Parliament to act, emphasising that the current law leaves patients with limited choices.
However, opponents have raised concerns about the adequacy of safeguards and potential pressure on patients to avoid being a burden to their families. Labour MP Rachael Maskell criticised the timing, citing the underfunded state of the National Health Service (NHS) and the need to prioritise improvements in palliative care.
The legislation aligns with the "Oregon model," which limits assisted dying to terminal illnesses, contrasting with broader laws in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Canada. Assisted death remains a criminal offence in England and Wales, with penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment.
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1,850 missing mobile phones recovered as Delhi Police focusses on victim-centric policing
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.
The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.
The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.
As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.
The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.
