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Widow Urges Lords to Back Assisted Dying After CPS Drops Case Over Dignitas Trip

Peers begin fresh evidence sessions on a bill proposing a six‑month prognosis threshold with doctor sign‑offs plus panel review.

Overview

  • North Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed no further action against Louise Shackleton over her husband's assisted death in Switzerland.
  • Shackleton appealed to peers to change the law, arguing current access favors those who can afford to travel abroad for an assisted death.
  • A Lords scrutiny committee is taking evidence this week, with possible witnesses including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary David Lammy.
  • The Terminally Ill Adults Bill limits eligibility to those expected to live fewer than six months and requires approvals by two doctors plus a multidisciplinary panel, with up to four years to establish a service if it passes.
  • Shackleton said she only read a loving letter from her husband after the investigation concluded, as assisting suicide remains illegal in England and Wales with penalties of up to 14 years.