Lords Face 'Irrelevant' Tag Over Assisted Dying Bill Delays, Warns Falconer
The House of Lords risks being perceived as an irrelevant talking shop if it does not accelerate progress on the contentious assisted dying Bill, according to Labour former minister Lord Falconer of Thoroton. As deliberations resumed on Friday, the sponsor of the Bill in the upper chamber criticised peers for moving at what he described as a glacial pace, threatening the legislation's passage before the parliamentary session ends in May.
Scrutiny Exceeds 80 Hours Since Commons Approval
Lord Falconer highlighted that peers have dedicated more than 80 hours to scrutinising the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill since it was passed by the House of Commons in June last year. He detailed the extensive deliberations, noting that over 1,200 amendments have been tabled, with only 354 debated so far, leaving approximately 850 amendments pending. At the current rate, he estimated another 22 days of committee stage would be required, having completed just three clauses after nine days of debate.
Opponents of the Bill have faced accusations of attempting to talk out the legislation as it progresses through the Lords. However, many peers defend their actions, insisting they are fulfilling their duty to scrutinise a Bill they argue is not safe in its current form and requires strengthening. The draft legislation will fall if it does not complete all parliamentary stages by the end of the current session in May, adding urgency to the proceedings.
Parliament Act Looms as Potential Override
Lord Falconer told the Press Association that failure to pass the Bill would not mark the end of the road. He vowed to invoke the rare parliamentary procedure under the Parliament Act, which allows Bills backed by the Commons in two successive sessions but rejected by peers to become law without Lords approval. Only seven Bills have utilised this power, including the Hunting Act 2004, underscoring its exceptional nature.
During the 10th day of committee stage, Lord Falconer urged the chamber to consider informal agreements to expedite progress, warning that continued delays could undermine the Lords' reputation for effective scrutiny. The way it is going at the moment, we will reach no conclusions whatsoever. We will appear to be an irrelevant talking shop, he cautioned, emphasising the need for timely resolution.
Bill Provisions and Commons Support
If enacted, the Bill would permit adults with terminal illnesses in England and Wales, who have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. It garnered significant support in the Commons, passing with a majority of 24 votes, reflecting broader parliamentary and public interest in the issue. The ongoing debates in the Lords focus on amendments aimed at enhancing safeguards and addressing ethical concerns, but the slow pace has sparked criticism from proponents like Lord Falconer.
As the clock ticks towards the May deadline, the fate of the assisted dying legislation hangs in the balance, with potential implications for the perceived relevance and efficiency of the House of Lords in legislative processes.
