Assisted Dying Bill Overview

Assisted Dying Bill in England and Wales

• MPs voted to legalize assisted dying, a historic step
• The bill could take two years to become law
• The bill needs to pass five stages in the House of Commons and five more in the House of Lords, with multiple votes
• It aims to allow terminally ill adults, expected to die within six months, to seek help ending their lives
• The MP behind the bill (Kim Leadbeater) stated a two-year period to implement the law is important for careful consideration
• The bill was introduced as a private member's bill (PMB) allowing backbenchers to introduce new legislation
• The bill's passage could be affected by parliamentary time constraints, particularly at the report stage
• MPs can vote based on their personal beliefs (conscience vote)

Bill's Progression

• First reading was a formal introduction
• Second reading debate resulted in 330 votes for and 275 against the bill
• Bill will now be scrutinised by a smaller group of MPs (committee stage)
• Report stage allows for proposed amendments
• Third reading is a final vote on the bill (in Commons)
• If approved it then goes to the House of Lords
• Royal Assent is the final step, making the bill an Act of Parliament

Additional Considerations

• A money resolution is required from the government, authorizing any spending the bill might require
• Committee sessions for PMBs are not scheduled, giving more flexibility
• The government can influence the parliamentary process for PMBs
• MPs can ask specialists to provide evidence (during committee stage)
• MPs from the departments that would have to implement the bill (Health Secretary and Justice Secretary) originally opposed the bill.
• Parliamentary timetables for the bill need to be followed
• Lobbying from different groups will continue to influence MPs.
• Amendments at report stage increase the risk of the bill failing due to time limitations.