The return of the proposed law to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales has been delayed by three weeks, giving MPs additional time to scrutinise its latest amendments. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater confirmed that the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will now return to the House of Commons on Friday, 16 May, instead of the previously scheduled 25 April.
Ms Leadbeater, who has championed the legislation since its introduction, said the delay would allow MPs more time to consider the substantial changes made during the Bill’s committee stage, as well as to review the upcoming impact assessment, which is no longer expected this week.
Concerns had also been raised that several MPs may be unable to attend the 25 April session due to campaigning ahead of the local elections on 1 May. The postponement is expected to allow broader participation in the debate on a matter many MPs have called one of the most ethically significant they have faced.
Speaking on the delay, the Spen Valley MP said: “The next debate in the Commons for report stage will now take place on Friday, 16 May. I have listened carefully to colleagues across the House, and I recognise the need for extra time to consider the important changes to the Bill. This is a momentous issue, and I believe it is far more important to get it right than to rush it through.”
The legislation, which narrowly passed its second reading in November, has since undergone considerable revision. Among the most notable changes is the removal of the controversial High Court safeguard, replaced instead by an expert panel comprising a psychiatrist, a senior legal figure, and a social worker. The implementation period has also been extended from two to four years, to allow the assisted dying framework to be developed in a careful and structured manner.
Under the proposed law, only terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live – and who are residents of England or Wales – would be eligible to access assisted dying. Approval would require the sign-off of two independent doctors and the aforementioned expert panel, designed to provide an additional layer of scrutiny and safeguard against potential misuse.
Supporters of the Bill argue the changes made during committee stage have strengthened what they describe as the most robust assisted dying legislation in the world. However, critics maintain that the process has been rushed and that not enough time has been dedicated to considering the complex ethical and medical implications.
Ms Leadbeater said she had a “very productive” meeting with Welsh Government representatives this week and noted that they, too, required more time to understand how the revised legislation would apply in both England and Wales.
She added: “I am absolutely confident that allowing MPs a few more weeks for their own consideration will not delay the Bill’s overall progress should it win parliamentary support.”
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If time permits on 16 May, MPs could also vote on whether to approve the Bill at third reading – its final stage in the Commons – before it progresses to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
As the Bill involves a matter of conscience, MPs are not subject to party whips and may vote according to their personal views.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has already confirmed he will not be voting in favour of the legislation, despite praising Ms Leadbeater for her “constructive and inclusive approach”. He also raised concerns about potential cost implications for the NHS if the measure is implemented.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Streeting said: “No, I won’t be voting for it, but I do welcome the thoughtful way in which Kim Leadbeater has gone about this very difficult and emotive issue. She has brought together MPs with strongly held and often opposing views and encouraged serious debate.”
The Government has maintained a neutral stance on the legislation, while facilitating dialogue to ensure any future law is legally and ethically robust.
