Overview

• About 189–190 peers have registered to speak across today and 19 September, a number that would surpass the Lords’ previous Second Reading record if all contribute.
• The bill would allow adults in England and Wales with a prognosis under six months to seek an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and an expert panel, with the medication self-administered.
• A vote could be called at the close of next Friday’s sitting, and defeat would kill the measure for this session, while limited parliamentary time leaves it vulnerable to delay tactics and extensive amendments.
• Sponsor Lord Charlie Falconer says there is ample time for scrutiny and signals openness to stronger safeguards, as supporters including Dame Esther Rantzen urge peers not to block the legislation.
• Opposition is led by prominent figures such as Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally, who warns of risks to vulnerable people and calls for better palliative care, and The Times reports Theresa May is coordinating resistance, with some peers decrying the extended scheduling to 19 September.