Dame Prue Leith Voices 'Deep Outrage' Over Lords Delay to Assisted Dying Legislation
Dame Prue Leith has expressed profound frustration and "deep outrage at what is happening" with the assisted dying Bill in the House of Lords, as concerns mount that it may fail to become law due to parliamentary delays. The celebrity chef and television presenter highlighted what she describes as an "obvious obstruction" by peers opposed to the legislation, which must complete all its stages before the current session ends in May to avoid collapse.
Bill Faces Critical Time Constraints in Upper Chamber
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which was passed by MPs in the Commons last June with a majority of 23, is now navigating the Lords but faces significant hurdles. Opponents have been accused of attempting to "talk out" the Bill through prolonged debate, though many insist they are merely fulfilling their duty to scrutinise legislation they deem unsafe in its current form.
Dame Prue, a prominent campaigner for assisted dying legalisation, emphasised the urgency in a statement after being named on the Women in Westminster: The 100 list for her advocacy. "Being named on this list is humbling, but it means nothing if this Bill is allowed to fall in the Lords due to obvious obstruction. The public has not looked away," she declared.
Personal Motivation and Political Divisions
Her advocacy stems from personal experience, having witnessed her brother David endure a "slow and agonising" death from bone cancer. This has placed her at odds with her son, Reform UK MP Danny Kruger, who opposes the Bill. Dame Prue added, "MPs and peers on all sides of this debate feel the same deep outrage at what is happening. The eyes of this country remain fixed on the ultimate goal, democracy being upheld, an end to this cruel status quo, and the introduction of a safe, compassionate law that this country can be proud of."
Support from Fellow Campaigners
Dame Esther Rantzen, also honoured on the 100 Women list, dedicated her recognition to fellow campaigners and the bereaved. She stated, "This honour belongs to them. It is their courage and determination that has enabled us to reach this historic moment, and the best reward for them will be for Parliament to reform the current cruel messy criminal law, and for democracy to prevail."
Bill Provisions and Opposition Concerns
The proposed legislation aims to allow adults with terminal illnesses in England and Wales, who have fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. This would require approval from two doctors and an expert panel. However, critics like Baroness Luciana Berger have raised "deep concern about the lack of detail in the assisted dying Bill and how it would work in practice," arguing that it needs strengthening to ensure safety.
As the deadline looms, the fate of the Bill hangs in the balance, with campaigners urging swift action to prevent its failure and uphold what they see as a crucial democratic and compassionate reform.
