Lords given more time for Assisted Dying Bill debate

  • The Assisted Dying Debate

from Religion Media Centre

The House of Lords has supported a move for more time to be allocated to debate the Assisted Dying Bill, which has attracted more than 1,100 amendments.

Humanists UK and the campaign group My Death, My Decision, have welcomed the extra time.  The Times reports that this may mean the Lords starting sessions earlier and ending later, to get through the work.

The Lords have been accused of filibustering, drawing out the debate so that the bill runs out of time before the end of the parliamentary session. Dave Sowry, Board Member of My Death, My Decision, said: "If peers wreck the assisted dying bill through dirty tactics and procedural shenanigans, they would also be wrecking their own reputation, and potentially their future".

The Times quotes a source close to peers who are opposed, saying there are extensive issues with the bill, especially around the danger it poses to vulnerable groups.

Times report here.