House of Lords Begin Debate of Assisted Dying Bill
The House of Lords has begun their debate today on the controversial Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which would legalise assisted dying in England and Wales for terminally ill adults expected to live fewer than six months. Nearly 190 peers have signed up to speak across two days, making it one of the most debated bills in recent history. While supporters call it "one of the safest in the world," with the bill saying that assisted dying in England and Wales will require approval from two doctors and a panel, opponents argue it lacks safeguards and was rushed through Parliament without proper scrutiny.
Former Justice Secretary Lord Falconer, who is backing the bill in the Lords, called the current law “confused” and said it causes “terrible suffering.” However, critics like Baroness Luciana Berger warned that “we are in the dark about how assisted dying would work in practice,” and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said the bill needs deeper analysis on how it could affect disabled people and other vulnerable groups. The EHRC added that bringing such serious legislation as a Private Member’s Bill rather than a government-backed one is “unsuitable.”
While no vote is expected at this stage, peers could still force one, which would immediately kill the bill and restart the entire process. Advocates, including Dame Esther Rantzen, say if the Lords block it, “it could be another decade” before Parliament gets another chance to act. Still, figures like Conservative MP James Cleverly caution it doesn’t have to be a “now or never” moment. The debate will continue with the second day of debate on September 19th, with both sides watching closely as the bill's fate hangs in the balance.
