Statement on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

I supported the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill when it came before the House of Commons, because I believe strongly that terminally ill adults should have the choice, control and dignity that the current blanket ban denies them.

The vote was an important and hopeful moment for many people who are suffering now, and who simply do not have the luxury of time while Parliament debates procedural tactics.

I respect that Peers, like MPs, hold differing views of conscience on assisted dying, and those views must be heard. But it is unacceptable for a small number of opponents to use procedural manoeuvres designed to delay, derail or effectively filibuster the Bill. That behaviour disrespects not only the will of the Commons — which has already given the Bill a clear mandate — but also the overwhelming majority of the public who support change.

Colleagues across parties in the Commons who support this legislation are already raising this issue privately and publicly. While MPs cannot directly control the timetable in the Lords, we can apply pressure to try and ensure that:

• The Bill is given adequate time for its remaining stages

• There is meaningful scrutiny rather than obstruction

• The Bill can return to the Commons in this parliamentary session

I will continue to support this effort and will challenge any suggestion that the democratic process should be undermined by procedural games.

This is an issue of compassion, autonomy and basic humanity. People at the end of their lives should not be left in limbo because of tactics that exploit the unelected nature of the second chamber.