Key Facts

• The assisted dying bill aims to allow terminally ill adults over 18 to end their life with the agreement of a panel of experts.
• The bill passed the UK House of Commons last year but was delayed by the House of Lords, where opponents submitted over 1,000 amendments.
• Labour MP Lauren Edwards will reintroduce the bill, hoping to use parliamentary rules to bypass the Lords if it is blocked again.
• Edwards said the bill was blocked by a minority in the House of Lords and wants to protect democracy by giving the public’s choice a final say.
• The bill had strong public and Commons support, reflecting a widespread desire for more end-of-life choice.
• Edwards came second in a private members’ bill ballot, improving the chances the bill will pass again in the Commons.
• Supporters argue the bill provides a compassionate option for dying people, while opponents say it had serious flaws needing many amendments.
• If reintroduced and passed again, the Lords can debate but cannot delay the bill by talking it out a second time.