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1,200 Amendments Sink Assisted-Dying Bill in Lords

4/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

1,200 amendments tabled by peers caused assisted-dying bill, after two Commons votes, to run out of time in the Lords.
Supporters said bill would let terminally ill adults with months to live obtain assisted death after doctors and a panel approve it.
Disability and hospice groups warned of coercion and gaps, urging Health Secretary Wes Streeting to act.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater expressed disappointment and anger at the bill’s failure.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1930s voluntary-euthanasia societies first pressed for change, modern attempts began with Lord Falconer’s 2014 Assisted Dying Bill, which ran out of time before the 2015 election. That year Labour MP Rob Marris saw the proposal defeated 330-118 in the Commons. In October 2024 Kim Leadbeater re-introduced a similar bill, which again stalled in the Lords.

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Story summary

1,200 amendments tabled by peers caused assisted-dying bill, after two Commons votes, to run out of time in the Lords.
Supporters said bill would let terminally ill adults with months to live obtain assisted death after doctors and a panel approve it.
Disability and hospice groups warned of coercion and gaps, urging Health Secretary Wes Streeting to act.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater expressed disappointment and anger at the bill’s failure.

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