Assisted Dying Bill passes Lords’ Second Reading, advancing closer to becoming law
The Bill would give terminally ill, mentally competent adults in England and Wales the choice of an assisted death under strict safeguards. Backed by the Commons and more than 70% of the public (YouGov, 19 June 2025), it was brought forward by Kim Leadbeater MP and is now being steered through the House of Lords by Lord Falconer of Thoroton.
After a historic two-day debate, in which more than 160 peers from across the political spectrum contributed, the House of Lords formally approved the principle of the Bill and welcomed additional scrutiny to strengthen it. Peers passed an amendment tabled by Baroness Berger and backed by Lord Falconer to establish a select committee to hear evidence over a three-week period on how the law will be implemented.
This added scrutiny has been welcomed as a constructive step for a Bill on the cusp of implementation. Crucially, it will not frustrate the Bill’s progress and has clarified the parliamentary timeline more explicitly. The cross-party committee will provide evidence no later than Friday 7 November, ensuring the Bill proceeds swiftly to a Committee of the Whole House for further scrutiny, before completing its final stages in the Lords.
Campaigners for assisted dying reform hailed the outcome as clear evidence of strong and enduring support among Peers – ensuring the strongest possible law is crafted without derailing its momentum.
Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:
“Every stage this Bill clears brings us closer to the safe and compassionate assisted dying law that people across the country are calling for. This reform has won the support of the public, MPs and now Peers, moving it decisively closer to becoming law.
“Over two days, we have seen Peers engage in serious, thoughtful debate that has shifted firmly into the practicalities of implementation – a sure sign that Parliament is ready to deliver this change. The vote to gather further evidence shows the seriousness with which Peers are approaching scrutiny, and their commitment to crafting the strongest possible law for this country.
“Today’s outcome is testament to the countless individuals and families who have spoken out about the suffering they have endured under the current law. We stand alongside them in urging peers to stay focused on their voices and to continue the serious, respectful scrutiny that this issue demands.”
Backing for the Bill spanned all sides of the House, with senior figures from the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat benches – as well as respected crossbench Peers – uniting behind the need for change. This broad coalition underlines the growing cross-party momentum and moral imperative driving the reform forward.
Over the two days, those speaking in support of the Bill included some of the country’s most eminent medical, legal and ethical experts, including leading psychiatrists Lord Alderdice and Baroness Murphy, former Director of Public Prosecutions Lord Macdonald KC and Lord Pannick KC, former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Hogan-Howe and former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey.
The Bill has already progressed further than any previous proposed assisted dying law. In June, it passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons after more than 100 hours of detailed scrutiny by MPs and Government ministers. The Government’s own impact assessment has described the framework as the strongest assisted dying law proposed anywhere in the world.
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For requests please contact Tom Steen, Media & Campaigns Officer at tom.steen@dignityindying.org.uk or 07356135578.