MPs in Westminster have backed new organ donation legislation for Northern Ireland, known as the “Dice Bill”.
MPs supported amendments to the Northern Ireland (Administrative Structure) Bill, which has been passed by the UK House of Commons.
The bill passed its second reading without any opposition and will now go to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
Six-year-old Daithi McGovern, from Belfast, who is waiting for a new heart, high-fived his father as MPs backed the changes.
Daithi's family travelled to London to watch the restrictions introduced by the UK government go through the House of Commons.
The UK government has moved to advance legislation on an opt-out donations scheme that has been stalled after political deadlock at Stormont meant local councillors were unable to convene to pass regulations.
Speaking at Westminster before the bill was passed, Daithi's father, Martin McGovern, said: “Today is an emotional day and a very proud day.
“It’s finally starting to feel like a victory, although it will probably be a few years before I fully realize it.
“We met with the Secretary of State [Chris Heaton-Harris] There was a celebratory mood this morning.
“We're just happy. We're really proud of Daisy, we're really proud of ourselves, and we look forward to seeing Daisy's Law implemented.”
“We've been let down so many times over the past few weeks. We never thought we'd be here today, but we have.”
McGovern said he expects the bill will receive final approval on March 6, with Daithi's Law to go into effect in early summer.
Attempts to revive parliament and pass the bill last week failed when the DUP again used its veto to block the election of a speaker, meaning no further business can be debated.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Heaton Harris said he was taking the “extraordinary step” of bringing the bill forward through Westminster following cross-party support for Daithi's plight.
Daithi smiled and waved to lawmakers as debate began in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Ms Heaton-Harris praised the family's “brave efforts” and told MPs: “They should not need to be here today to see this reform implemented. Parliament could and should have convened to get this done.”
“We recognise this issue is exceptional both in terms of its importance and the cross-party support it enjoys in both Northern Ireland and this Assembly. With that in mind, the Government has introduced significant amendments to this Bill to enable these changes to proceed through Assembly in the absence of a Speaker.”
Heaton-Harris said the changes will be in place by the spring.
He added: “When I spoke to Daithi today, I asked him if he thought he had a chance of getting elected here and trying to set us all straight because a little bit of common sense in some of our dealings would go a long way and I think he and his family have shown that in spades.”
“I know he met with the chairman as well. [Lindsay Hoyle] And now I am the proud owner of a Chairman's Teddy Bear.”
Heaton-Harris said the six-year-old “is going to make history today.”
He said: “Of course I would like to see a parliament established and it should have been. I recognise that this issue is very important and requires exceptional government intervention.”
Northern Ireland shadow minister Tonia Antoniazzi said: “I want to thank Daithi. He is an inspirational boy. I don't think he quite realises yet what a difference he and his family have made to Northern Ireland. Frankly, he has made history.”
Conservative MP Simon Hoare, chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said he supported the changes but added that “follow-up work on a public information campaign needs to be done to ensure maximum uptake and the opportunities it offers are taken advantage of.”
Michelle O'Neill, Stormont Sinn Féin leader, tweeted that it was a “major day” for people waiting for a transplant.
This is a day of great hope for Daithi and all those desperate for a transplant, as Daithi's organ donation law will come into effect in spring 2023.
Today is the day for Daithi, Martin, Seph and all those who campaigned for this life-saving legislation.
Thank you for not giving up! 💓 pic.twitter.com/Z0bmKGROzb
— Michelle O'Neill (@moneillsf) February 22, 2023
The opt-out system, which is already in operation in the rest of the UK, means adults in Northern Ireland are considered donors unless they decide to opt out. The system was introduced to boost donation rates in the region.
The UK government's bill would also postpone the requirement for the establishment of an executive at Stormont until 18 January next year, and parliamentary elections would be delayed until no later than 11 April.
The UK government said the extra time would allow Stormont parties to “focus on restoring the devolved institutions” and also give space for the UK-EU dialogue over the Northern Ireland Protocol to continue.
The DUP dismantled the devolved executive a year ago in protest at the post-Brexit protocol and has vowed not to lift its blockade on power-sharing until fundamental changes are made to the controversial Irish Sea trade deal.
