Extra time for peers to debate assisted dying
Summary
The House of Lords is giving 10 extra days to discuss the assisted dying bill because of the large number of changes suggested. This bill, which aims to allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to apply for an assisted death, needs agreement from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords to become law. There is concern that some peers are delaying the process with excessive amendment requests, but additional debating time hopes to address these concerns.Key Facts
- The House of Lords has extended the debate on the assisted dying bill by 10 extra Fridays.
- The bill allows terminally ill adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live to seek assisted death, with certain approvals.
- The bill faced a record number of over 1,000 amendment requests, slowing progress.
- It must be approved before the spring session of Parliament ends to become law.
- The government has taken a neutral stance, providing extra time without using its own parliamentary time.
- Labour MP Kim Leadbeater initially drafted the bill as a private member's bill.
- Critics argue the bill needs careful changes to protect vulnerable people.
- Up to 24 April, there will be a total of 16 days for peers to consider the bill.
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