Charlie Falconer, Labour peer and former lord chancellor, is to introduce a private member’s bill into the House of Lords on July 26 to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. It is currently illegal in these parts of the UK to help someone to end their life. The introduction of the bill has been seen by some as a breakthrough in the campaign for a change in the law.
When MPs last voted on allowing assisted dying for the terminally ill in 2015, they decided by 330 votes to 118 against. But one of the MPs who backed change was Keir Starmer – then an opposition backbencher. The new prime minister has, over the course of his career, repeatedly signalled that he wants MPs to have a chance to revisit the issue.
Were the UK parliament to approve this change, it would be in line with similar changes elsewhere in the British Isles. Both Jersey and the Isle of Man have this year moved towards legalisation. The Scottish parliament is currently considering a bill proposing change.
Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made. Sign up for our weekly politics newsletter , delivered every Friday. Whatever the hopes of campaigners, the reality is that Falconer’s bill will face an uphill struggle to pass.
Private members’ bills – legislation proposed by MPs or peers (typically backbenchers) in their own capacity, rather than by the government – have often been.