Just when we thought the match was over, the home team have scored a goal in extra time. To some surprise, campaigners in favour legalising Assisted Dying in England and Wales have persuaded another MP to re-present last year’s Bill. It was generally considered to have failed after it was “talked out” by the House of Lords.
The powers of the Lords, of course, are quite limited. If the Bill passes through the House of Commons for a second time in exactly the same form as it was when previously presented to the Lords, then their Lordships cannot refuse to pass it again. Now, Lauren Edwards MP has agreed to be the new champion. If she can, once again, summons a Commons majority in its favour then the future will look quite hopeful.
That will not be an easy task, however. Although Lauren came high in the ballot for Private Member’s Bills (she was number two) and is therefore guaranteed a full day of Parliamentary time, there may not now be the same enthusiasm amongst MPs as there was when Kim Leadbeater’s Bill was passed initially. Government MPs are pre-occupied with their leadership issues. The opposition to the Bill turned out to be deeper-rooted than expected. The Bill is acknowledged to be far from perfect in its present form. The Government is desperate to get other long-delayed Bills onto the statute book.
Also, many supporters of a change are less than enthusiastic about it. It makes no provision for people with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. It is being criticised for being “too risky” – whilst to many observers (including this website) it seems to include more safeguards than a fireworks factory next to the Health and Safety Inspectorate. In terms of UK people visiting Switzerland, it is unlikely to make much difference.
Nonetheless, this is good news.
