Labour MP Lauren Edwards will use her private member's bill to bring the assisted dying bill back to the Commons after it was blocked by the House of Lords. The move aims to give Parliament another chance to decide on the issue, potentially using the Parliament Acts to bypass the Lords if necessary.
Labour MP Lauren Edwards will use her private member's bill to reintroduce the assisted dying legislation to the Commons after it was blocked by the House of Lords. The move aims to give supporters a chance to use the Parliament Act to bypass the Lords if it is blocked again, ensuring a final decision on end-of-life choice.
Prominent MPs, including former ministers Louise Haigh, Ian Murray, and Jeremy Hunt, have indicated they do not expect the assisted dying bill to be resurrected using the Parliament Acts, which could bypass the House of Lords. The bill previously fell in the Lords after extensive amendments prevented a vote. While some MPs are considering reintroducing it, invoking the Parliament Acts faces significant opposition due to ethical concerns and procedural complexities.
Two MPs who backed the assisted dying bill secured high spots in the private member's bill ballot, offering a chance to revive it. MP Andrew George will consider taking it forward, while opponent Jess Asato calls it a "distraction."
