News
19th November 2025

Dignity in Dying Response to Prime Minister’s Questions

Dignity in Dying welcomes today’s exchange at Prime Minister’s Questions, where Kit Malthouse MP raised concerns about apparent attempts to delay or talk out the Terminally Ill Adults Bill.

An unprecedented number of amendments have been tabled in the House of Lords (more than 1000), most by just a handful of peers with long-standing opposition to assisted dying. Following the Commons’ clear vote in favour of progressing the Bill, the Prime Minister’s commitment to ensuring the Bill is workable, effective and enforceable will be a source of hope to dying people across the country.

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying said:

“The Commons has spoken on assisted dying. The Lords must respect that; to uphold the integrity of our democratic process and in recognition of the dying people who are watching in dismay at these procedural games.

“When MPs twice voted to back the Terminally Ill Adults Bill, they did so in recognition of the clear evidence for reform, the overwhelming public support for change, and the increasing numbers of doctors, nurses and end-of-life specialists joining them. It is vital that the House of Lords recognises this democratic mandate and respects the primacy of the Commons. No Bill this important should be derailed by an anti-democratic procedural pile-up engineered by a tiny minority of peers. The Prime Minister confirmed that while the Government remains neutral, it is committed to ensuring that this Bill is safe and workable if it is passed. The Lords must be allowed to complete the job that Members of Parliament have already begun and deliver a law that finally introduces proper choice, protection and compassion where there is none.”

Pamela Fisher, a Church of England lay preacher living with terminal breast cancer said:

“When the Commons voted for this Bill, I felt heard for the first time. It’s devastating to think that a small group in the Lords could now stop it in its tracks. I just want the decision my elected MPs made to be honoured, not just for me and my family but for those who come after me. I have hope that common-sense and compassion will prevail”

*ENDS*(For more information/requests, please email tom.steen@dignityindying.org.uk or call 07356135578)