Wednesday 18th March 2026:
Evelyn Tweed MSP has spoken out about her reaction to the result of Scotland’s Assisted Dying Bill, which was voted against and failed at stage 3 on Tuesday 17th March.
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill fell with 69 MSPs voting against and 57 voting for. To pass, it needed the backing of 64 MSPs.
The legislation that would have given terminally ill people in Scotland the right to choose an assisted death.
Responding, Evelyn Tweed MSP said;
“I am deeply disappointed by this result.
“For many people across Scotland, this result will feel devastating. It means that those facing the end of their lives will continue to do so without the choice that so many had hoped was within reach. My own view on this issue has been shaped by the experiences shared with me by constituents, and by what I have seen within my own family.
“I supported this Bill because I believe it offered a compassionate and carefully safeguarded choice to those facing the end of life.
“At the heart of my thinking was a constituent, Kate Buchanan, whom I met in 2024 after she was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Kate spoke powerfully about why assisted dying should be available to people in her situation. She died in October 2024. Her story, and my conversations with her and her family, stayed with me throughout this debate. They were a significant part of why I felt it was right to vote in favour — to try to ensure others might have the choice she did not.
“I also received a large volume of correspondence from constituents. Many shared deeply personal accounts of the deaths of loved ones.
“My perspective has been shaped by personal experience too. My mother-in-law chose to stop further treatment and refused nutrition and hydration in hospital, resulting in a slow and painful death. Watching her suffer left a lasting impact and deepened my understanding of why some people seek greater choice at the end of life.
“What makes this outcome even more difficult is that it does not reflect where the public are. Polling conducted by Professor Sir John Curtice has consistently shown that a clear majority of people in Scotland support assisted dying (81%). This is not a marginal view — it reflects a broad and settled public position.
“At a time when people expect their voices to be heard, this will feel like a missed opportunity. Parliament had the chance to respond to that consensus and chose not to. For many, that gap between public opinion and parliamentary decision-making will be hard to understand.
“I recognise that many colleagues who voted against the Bill did so out of sincerely held concerns, particularly around protecting vulnerable people. Those concerns deserve respect, and safeguards must always be central to any legislation in this area.
“However, this Bill was the result of many years of work, informed by over two decades of evidence from countries where assisted dying is legal. It aimed to offer an additional choice alongside strong palliative care, not replace it.
“For many of us MSPs, this may have been one of the most significant pieces of legislation we will consider. It asked us to confront difficult questions about dignity, autonomy and how we respond to suffering at the end of life.
“I also want to pay tribute to Liam McArthur MSP, who brought this Bill forward and carried it through Parliament with care, determination and such integrity. Taking on an issue of this scale, which touches so many lives, requires both political commitment and personal courage. Over many months, Liam worked tirelessly to listen, engage and navigate a complex and sensitive debate. It was clear how seriously he took that responsibility, and he deserves sincere thanks for the way he led this work.
“For those living with terminal illness, and for the families who stood beside them, this outcome will be profoundly disappointing. Many showed extraordinary courage in speaking publicly, knowing they might not live to see the change they were advocating for.
“Following the vote, Kate’s husband Rodger shared this reflection: ‘I was quite overwhelmed to hear Evelyn quoting the words of my late wife Kate during the debate on Tuesday evening. I’d like to thank Liam, his team, and everyone who tried so hard to make this bill come to fruition, and indeed all the MSPs who gave this such careful consideration. I was very disappointed with the result. However I have to remember that it’s been a long road so far, and if there’s a few more obstacles still to be overcome, so be it. I hope that following the May elections, there will be another attempt with a fresh crop of MSPs still determined to listen to the 80% in favour of assisted dying.’
“His words capture both the disappointment of this result and the determination to keep going. Public attitudes are clear, and I believe this issue will return to the Scottish Parliament.
“When it does, I hope we are ready to meet it with the compassion and courage shown by Kate and others like her.”
ENDS
