My View: Examining the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in the House of Lords

As many readers might know, I have voted consistently in favour of the Bill since it was first announced. I do understand concerns about the delays in the Lords, but I wanted to offer my perspective on the matter to reassure you that there is a lot of support for the Bill and I also do not want to see it unfairly pushed back. Back in November 2025, our Government Chief Whip in the House of Lords announced that the Lords will sit on an additional ten Fridays in early 2026 in order to consider the Bill further, due to the number of amendments that have been put forward for debate. I completely understand the concerns about delays, but I do think it is vital that we have a thorough examination of the Bill -  I think it’s also necessary as there are many who are not in support of the Bill who would be especially critical if there was not proper examination and time given to it. Given the importance of the subject and the number of Members who wish to participate, I am pleased that our Government has enabled this additional scrutiny to take place.  

It was important to me, especially after hearing the concerns of so many constituents, that I was voting for a Bill that would introduce proper safeguards and protections for those who might choose to go down the route of assisted dying. That is why I voted for a number of amendments to try and tighten restrictions on the Bill, including that the prospect of assisted dying should not be initiated with anyone under the age of 18, that no medical professionals (whether this is a doctor, nurse or pharmacist) should be under any duty to assist someone to end their lives, and that the heavy regulation of approved substances and prohibition on advertising should extend to all of the United Kingdom, which I know a lot of constituents were concerned about. I also think it is important to outline that my support for this Bill goes hand in hand with my belief that we need to establish significant improvements and support for palliative and hospice care. I know that so many have been concerned since the introduction of this Bill that it will replace this vital care. In my view, this Bill is about choice, not about reducing the options that those with terminal illnesses have in their final stages. That is why it is vital we see safeguarding that will ensure no one feels like this is a choice they have been forced to make, like the safeguards that will make it a criminal offence to coerce someone into making this decision. But I do believe that this is a step forward in realising that the immense suffering so many go through towards the end of their lives as they suffer with the most horrific terminal illnesses can be prevented.    

I know this has been a long, and hard process, and that it is the most personal and sensitive topic I’ve ever personally had to consider, so I thank everyone who has informed and guided me in this process, as it is not a decision that should be made lightly.