Overview
- Peers held a fourth committee day with more than 1,150 amendments still tabled and only about 80 debated so far, with further sittings set for January.
- Bill sponsor Kim Leadbeater condemned proposals to film assisted deaths, bar applicants who travelled abroad in the previous year, and probe relatives’ finances, calling them cruel and unnecessary.
- Amendment from Lord Carlile to restore a judicial decision role is under debate, with backers arguing designated family judges could address safety concerns while critics warn of potential court backlogs.
- Peers explored stronger mental-capacity safeguards, as Lord Falconer backed enhanced assessments for particularly vulnerable people rather than blanket ineligibility for those recently deprived of liberty, a stance echoed by warnings about ECHR non-discrimination duties.
- Cross-party MPs urged the Lords not to use delay tactics that could undermine its legitimacy, senior peers including Baroness Butler-Sloss and the chief whip pressed for faster progress, and Baroness Sue Gray voiced concerns about risks to disadvantaged groups.