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More time requested to discuss assisted dying bill
Bill sponsor Labour MP Kim Leadbeater gathers with terminally ill people and bereaved family members, in Parliament Square, London, in support of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life Bill), December 12, 2025

MORE time is to be requested in the assisted dying debate in the House of Lords as peers prepare to discuss the controversial draft legislation.

Members of the Lords will meet for the first session of the new year tomorrow to continue committee debate on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

But a motion tabled by Lord Charlie Falconer, who is steering the Bill through the Lords, will request on Thursday that further time is allocated for debate.

This is to ensure the proposed law can get through the upper chamber and return to the Commons in good time.

The Bill will become law only if both the House of Commons and House of Lords agree on the final drafting of the legislation.

Approval is needed before spring when the current session of Parliament ends.

Lord Falconer’s motion, if passed, could mean sittings starting earlier or finishing later.

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