Overview

• The House of Lords opens the first of two Second Reading days today, with about 189–190 peers registered to speak and the option of a vote at the close of next Friday’s session.
• The bill would allow mentally competent adults in England and Wales with a terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy under six months to seek an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and an expert panel, with the medication self-administered.
• Sponsor Lord Charlie Falconer says there is time to scrutinise and return the bill to the Commons this session, though as a private member’s bill it remains vulnerable to delays or defeat at Second Reading.
• Organised opposition features Baroness May of Maidenhead, senior church figures including the Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally, and disability campaigners such as Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who warn of risks to vulnerable people and potential coercion.
• Hospice UK warns services are financially strained and unclear on funding and delivery, and a Care England survey reports providers are largely unconsulted and unprepared for assisted dying in care homes.