Serious, impassioned, thoughtful and non-tribal – party politics were put aside.

Parliament has taken a step towards a monumental social change in England and Wales, voting in favour of assisted dying.

There were tears in the chamber and sombre reflection as MPs grappled with the enormity of the decision before them. The visceral debate brought up deep wells of emotion as MPs spoke of lost loved ones.

Voices cracked and tissues were found buried at the bottom of handbags as the case was made for and against. There was passion and conviction on both sides.

Conservative former minister Andrew Mitchell revealed he changed his mind on assisted dying after finding himself with “tears pouring down my face” on hearing the stories of constituents whose loved ones had died “in great pain and great indignity”.

On the other side of the argument, Labour MP Diane Abbott said assisted dying could result in sick people “feeling like a burden” on society, adding: “I can imagine myself saying that in particular circumstances.”

And Conservative MP Danny Kruger, a leading opponent, said he believed Parliament can do “better” for terminally ill people than a “state suicide service”. Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier spoke movingly of her memories of her once very ill daughter, tears rising as she did so. “Our best friends were the pain nurses,” she said, movingly.

Thoughtful, passionate, honest. It’s not often those words are written about MPs.

Even on days of crunch votes, it’s usually clear which way the wind is blowing. On Friday morning, no MP could call it, although by late morning some thought the ayes were in the lead.

Although the chamber was packed,........

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