
The Scottish Parliament is set to vote on the general principles of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, a piece of legislation that could mark a significant shift in the country's approach to end-of-life care. Introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, the bill seeks to allow adults in the advanced stages of a terminal illness to seek medical assistance to end their lives, provided they meet strict eligibility criteria. This vote represents the third time such legislation has been considered by Holyrood, reflecting a growing debate over the rights of terminally ill individuals to choose the manner and timing of their death.
Supporters of the bill argue that it would provide terminally ill Scots with autonomy, dignity, and control over their end-of-life decisions, alleviating unnecessary suffering. Polls suggest a broad base of public support across various demographics, including age, political affiliation, and religious belief. However, the bill has also faced opposition from critics who fear it could place undue pressure on vulnerable individuals, including those with disabilities, to end their lives prematurely. High-profile figures such as First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar have announced their intention to vote against the legislation.
The stage one vote, scheduled for Tuesday evening, is a critical juncture for the bill's progression. If it passes, the legislation will move to the committee stage for further scrutiny and potential amendments before a final vote in the chamber. Failure at this initial stage would likely delay any reconsideration until after the next Holyrood election. The debate has sparked demonstrations outside the Scottish Parliament, with campaigners from both sides making their voices heard as MSPs prepare to cast their votes.
As the Scottish Parliament grapples with this deeply personal and ethically complex issue, the outcome of the vote will have profound implications for terminally ill individuals and their families. The bill's proponents, including Mr. McArthur, remain hopeful that the shifting political mood and overwhelming public support will persuade a majority of MSPs to back the general principles of the legislation, paving the way for a more compassionate approach to end-of-life care in Scotland.

British actor Callum Turner and pop superstar Dua Lipa have captured public attention with their whirlwind romance that began in January 2024 and culminated in an engagement confirmed in June. The couple's relationship timeline includes key public milestones, from being spotted together after the 'Masters of the Air' premiere in London to making their red carpet debut at the 2025 Met Gala. Their journey from initial meeting to engagement has unfolded over approximately 18 months, with both stars navigating demanding careers while building their personal connection.
The couple's first encounter reads like something from a romantic screenplay. Turner, 35, revealed to The Times that they finally met at a mutual friend's birthday party in Los Angeles after experiencing several 'near-misses' where their paths almost crossed but didn't. The most remarkable aspect of their initial meeting occurred when they sat next to each other and discovered they were both reading the same book, Hernán Díaz's 'Trust,' and had both just finished the first chapter. Turner described the moment as cinematic, noting that they realized they were 'on the same page' both literally and figuratively.
Maintaining a relationship between two high-profile careers requires strategic effort, and Turner has shared insights into how they manage the challenges of long-distance dating. The actor emphasized the importance of making time for each other regardless of busy schedules, stating their motto is 'it's never not worth it.' He recounted a recent instance where he flew to Boston for just two days to see Lipa between her tour commitments and his filming schedule, despite feeling exhausted. The couple relies heavily on FaceTime to stay connected and prioritizes creating meaningful memories during their limited time together.
Before their fateful meeting, Turner and Lipa experienced what he describes as multiple 'sliding doors' moments that nearly prevented their connection. The actor detailed one specific instance where Lipa left a party at 1:45 AM and he arrived at 2:00 AM, missing each other by mere minutes. These near-misses spanned several occasions involving mutual friends and shared social circles. Turner expressed gratitude that when they finally did meet under the right circumstances, he immediately recognized Lipa as 'the most beautiful woman in the world,' setting the stage for a relationship that would quickly progress from dating to engagement.