Labour MP Lauren Edwards has formally reintroduced the assisted dying bill to Parliament. During a first reading in the House of Commons, she confirmed that she was bringing back the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) bill, which ran out of time in the last session.
New Date for Second Reading
Ms Edwards announced that the new bill will have its second reading on Friday, September 11. If MPs back the landmark legislation again, the House of Lords will not be able to block it for a second time.
Campaigners Welcome the Move
Davina Hehir, deputy chief executive of Dignity in Dying, said the MP's decision "gives fresh hope to dying people across the country." She added: "We are enormously grateful to Lauren Edwards MP for picking up the baton and ensuring Parliament does not turn away from a question it has already begun to answer."
Ms Hehir noted that the bill had "sustained and growing support across Parliament." She stated: "No one underestimates the challenges ahead, but neither the public nor dying people expect Parliament to shrink from difficult decisions. This reform is wanted and needed by terminally ill people, it is backed by the public, and pursuing it is a matter of democratic integrity. Parliament has opened this door, it now has a responsibility to see the debate through."
Government Neutrality
Asked about the bill's return, Sir Keir Starmer said the Government would again remain neutral. He added: "The government will not take a position on it. We will treat it in exactly the same way. I'm deeply conscious that there are different and strongly held views, not just in my party, but actually across Parliament on this, as we've already seen. But the approach of the government will be the same in relation to this bill as it was in relation to the bill that fell as a result of the King's Speech and the new session."
MP's Determination
Ms Edwards told the Express earlier this week she wanted to send the bill back to peers so they can "finish the job," after a small group filibustered with amendments and lengthy speeches. The MP for Rochester and Strood, Kent, added: "Ultimately I just couldn't live with myself if I had not taken the opportunity to do this, something that I believe in. Not only from the principle [of assisted dying] but also the democratic point of principle. The will of the elected chamber should be respected."
Other Private Members' Bills
Other MPs who were successful in last month's private member's bill ballot also revealed their chosen legislation. Tory Sir Desmond Swayne, who came first, introduced the Infants, Parents and Carers Bill, aiming to give children the best start in life. Liberal Democrat Andrew George announced a Homes and Planning Bill, aiming to curb the spread of holiday lets and second homes.
The Express Give Us Our Last Rights crusade has campaigned for a change in the law on assisted dying for more than four years.
