Overview
- A cross-party group of more than 50 peers told MPs on Friday the proposal is unsafe and likely to fail, urging the Commons not to force the current draft through.
- The Lords have spent 13 days at committee with over 1,000 amendments, a pace that makes it unlikely to finish the bill before Parliament ends the session in May.
- Critics point to weak protection against coercion, thin oversight of doctors, and unresolved rules on lethal drugs, death investigations, conscience rights, and cross-border cases.
- Backers say the plan includes strong checks with two doctors plus legal and psychiatric review, accuse the unelected Lords of overreach, and prepare to refile next session or explore the Parliament Acts.
- The push comes after Scotland’s 69–57 defeat of a similar plan last week, leaving patients like 80-year-old Suzie Jee, who has incurable cancer, fearing they may endure painful deaths or seek help abroad.