Assisted Dying Bill: A Rocky Road Ahead

The assisted dying bill is facing a tough road to becoming law this year. Lord Falconer, a key supporter, has warned that without a major shift in the House of Lords' stance, the bill has little chance of passing. He even suggested using the Parliament Act, a rarely used power, to bypass the Lords if the bill isn't passed before the King's Speech in May. This move could spark a big constitutional debate. Opponents argue that the bill isn't safe, especially for vulnerable people, and needs significant changes. A government source said many ministers think the bill won't pass the Lords and hope for a compromise. They suggested setting up a Royal Commission to study the practical issues raised by the bill. Lord Falconer believes the Parliament Act is a normal part of the constitution and that the Lords shouldn't block a bill that elected MPs have already approved. Normally, bills proposed by backbench MPs, called Private Members' Bills, fail if they aren't passed by both the Commons and the Lords in one parliamentary session.The Parliament Act allows a bill passed by the Commons but rejected by the Lords to return in a new parliamentary session. If the Commons passes an identical bill a second time, the Lords can't block it again, and the bill becomes law without their approval. However, someone must be willing to bring the exact same bill, and they must be high up in the ballot of MPs able to propose a Private Members' Bill. Lord Falconer admitted it's very difficult for the bill to pass but not impossible if the Lords change their approach. He hasn't seen any signs of this happening yet. He also said that the Commons, as elected representatives, should decide on such issues, and the Parliament Act is the constitutional answer if they are blocked by a small number of peers. Lord Falconer has proposed amendments to address concerns, such as preventing those with eating disorders from being eligible for assisted dying and tightening restrictions on advertising for the service. He urged peers to support these changes, saying it's their responsibility to find a way forward. Opponents of the bill see the threat of using the Parliament Act as a bully tactic by someone who knows they are losing the argument. They believe it would force a flawed bill into law without any ability to change it.