Assisted Dying Bill Supporters Mobilize 200 MPs for Summer Revival
In a bold political maneuver, supporters of the assisted dying bill are planning to enlist approximately 200 Members of Parliament to bring the legislation back into contention this summer. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which is currently set to fail as the parliamentary session concludes ahead of the King's Speech on 13 May, has become stalled in the House of Lords. This strategic push aims to bypass peers by leveraging parliamentary procedures previously used to enact significant laws, such as the fox hunting ban.
Parliamentary Hurdles and Strategic Plans
The bill, proposed by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater after she won a backbench ballot in September 2024, grants adults over 18 who are terminally ill and within six months of death the right to request medical assistance to die. It applies exclusively to England and Wales, following recent rejections in Scotland and approvals in Jersey and the Isle of Man. With the current session ending, supporters are focusing on the next private members' bill ballot scheduled for 21 May.
Labour peer Charlie Falconer, who has guided the bill through the Lords, explained the strategy: "The idea is to secure a high position in the private members' bill ballot." With an estimated 400 to 500 backbench MPs typically entering the ballot, a supporter has a 92% chance of landing in the top five spots, which are crucial for advancing legislation. Dr. Simon Opher, a key Labour MP backing the bill, added, "We all plan to support that person to reintroduce Kim Leadbeater's bill."
Accelerated Passage and Political Dynamics
Should the bill return, Dr. Opher believes it could swiftly clear Commons stages due to prior approval. "As a private members' bill, the committee could consist entirely of supporters, allowing the committee stage to conclude in just a few hours," he noted. Lord Falconer emphasized that there is "very little appetite for a prolonged debate," with MPs favoring decisive votes. This sentiment is bolstered by over 100 MPs who recently urged Sir Keir Starmer to prevent Lords obstruction, citing democratic concerns.
Opposition remains, however. Labour MP Adam Jogee criticized the bill as "flawed," referencing polling where 77% of respondents opposed passing inadequately scrutinized laws. He argued, "The House of Lords has exposed deep flaws in the assisted dying bill." In contrast, Dr. Opher defended it as "the safest assisted dying bill in the world."
Bypassing the Lords with the Parliament Act
If MPs pass the bill again, it could become law even if the Lords reject it, thanks to the Parliament Act. This procedure allows a bill passed twice by MPs in consecutive sessions to become law without Lords approval, a tactic used only twice this century for the fox hunting ban and age of consent equalization. Dr. Opher argued that peers have forfeited their amendment role through delays, while opponents decry using the Act as "outrageous."
As a fallback, supporters may seek government time for a presentation bill, though ministers have resisted adopting it as official legislation to avoid party divisions. With estimates of success ranging from 50% to 90%, the assisted dying debate is poised for a critical summer showdown in Westminster.
