MPs voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at third reading by a majority of 23 votes. I voted against the Bill because I have sincere concerns about its workability, the pressure it will place on the NHS capacity and workforce, the lack of sufficient safeguards, and the change it will bring about in the relationship between our medical profession and their vulnerable patients.
I am pleased that the Bill is now being subject to considered and thoughtful debate in the House of Lords. I am clear that many amendments to this legislation are needed to make assisted dying provision safe and effective, and Peers have the required experience and expertise to robustly debate and challenge the Bill with the view of making its protections stronger. I have been very impressed with the quality of debates in the House of Lords on this issue.
Rather than a government bill, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is a Private Members Bill proposed by Kim Leadbetter MP. Fridays are reserved for backbench legislation in both chambers; given its magnitude, I know eight additional sitting Fridays were tabled for committee stage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
The House of Lords has an important role in scrutinising and improving draft legislation. I believe that the Government must commit to ensuring that the House of Lords continues to fulfil its constitutional role as a revising and scrutinising chamber which respects the primacy of the House of Commons.
I will continue to closely follow this Bill’s progression through the Houses of Parliament.