Peers suggest over 900 changes to assisted dying bill

"Members of the House of Lords have put forward more than 900 proposed changes to the law to deliver assisted dying, ahead of a debate on Friday. Experts believe the number of amendments, which is understood to be 942, is unprecedented, but opponents say significant alterations are needed to ensure any scheme can operate safely. The volume of amendments has sparked a letter from 65 supportive peers to their colleagues in the Lords, raising concern about possible delaying tactics."

"Those opposing the bill have been urged not to "frustrate" the passage of the legislation, which has already gained the approval of MPs. The House of Commons passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in June, and it passed its first stage in the Lords in September. The required line-by-line examination of the bill that follows was delayed, following an amendment by Labour's Baroness Berger to allow a committee of peers to scrutinise the legislation further."

"They say it is almost certainly unprecedented for the committee stage of this type of bill, known as a private member's bill, which has been put forward by backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. Experts including Matthew England, a researcher at the Hansard Society, said the number of amendments "does appear to be a record, at least in the recent past"."

More than 900 amendments, understood to be 942, have been submitted in the House of Lords ahead of the committee stage for assisted dying legislation. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed the Commons in June and cleared its first stage in the Lords in September. Committee scrutiny was delayed after Baroness Berger secured a committee to examine the bill. Officials compiled the flood of suggested changes overnight. Seven opponents account for 579 amendments between them. Sixty-five supportive peers warned colleagues about potential delaying tactics. Parliamentary authorities describe the volume as likely unprecedented for a private member's bill. Experts noted it appears to be a record.

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