I want to thank Lord Falconer for his excellent leadership in the House of Lords so far. In his speech opening the debate last week, he said: 

“The current law is confused, causes terrible suffering, and lacks compassion and safeguards. People must be at the heart of this debate...The Bill before us has already given hope to those with personal experience of the injustice of the current law. They will be looking to us to play our proper role. If we can improve it further, we should and we will have done our duty.”

This is the purpose of this Bill. This is what we have been fighting for together. And this is what we need your support to get over the line. 
 

As well as progressing the Bill to its next stage in the House of Lords, Peers accepted a revised amendment that will create a Select Committee to provide additional scrutiny to the Bill over a 3-week period before the Committee of the Whole House begins in November. Crucially - this amendment, as revised, will not result in the Bill running out of parliamentary time. If anything, its addition has clarified timelines and resulted in further confirmation that the Bill will have time in this Parliament to complete each stage. 

We welcome this additional opportunity for scrutiny which we have no doubt will only strengthen the case for change. The evidence is with us. The public is with us. The demand for change - and for choice - is louder than ever.

If you can spare just £2 a month to play your part in getting this Bill through its final stages, please join Dignity in Dying as a full member today. 
 

We are anticipating the upcoming stages will begin in the second half of October and as ever the team and I will keep you abreast of all developments. 

Thank you for everything - and on to the next. 

Sarah Wootton 
Chief Executive 
Dignity in Dying 

P.S. Today’s win is entirely thanks to you. For us to continue to win big, we need the resources to continue to fuel the campaign. If you can, please join us as a member today.