What are its chances? Michael Zander KC assesses the prospects of the Bill becoming law
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, introduced by Kim Leadbeater MP and approved by the House of Commons in June 2025, was talked out in the Lords where more than 1,200 amendments were tabled. The Bill stalled at the end of last session, before it had reached the voting stage on amendments. Opponents of the Bill said that the 1,200 amendments were to make the Bill fit for purpose. Proponents claimed they were based on a determination to defeat the Bill by filibustering.
The Bill has now been re-introduced by Lauren Edwards, Labour MP for Rochester, who came second in the ballot for Private Members’ Bills in the current session. The second reading of the Bill is scheduled for 11 September.
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The Bill is the same as that passed by the House of Commons in June 2025 and therefore technically qualifies as ‘identical’ for the purpose of the Parliament Act 1911, which is a requirement for it
