Dear
SPUC supporter,
Today saw the last day of debate before Christmas on the Committee stage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Peers debated a number of amendments, including on what happens when someone lives in England but has a GP in Scotland. More shockingly, there was much discussion on whether vulnerable groups such as prisoners, the homeless, and even pregnant women should be eligible to be given lethal drugs.
In perhaps the most horrific quote of the whole process, Lord Falconer said that he did not believe that pregnancy should be a bar to having an assisted suicide. You can watch the clip here (along with Lord Mackinlay describing how this issue is dealt with in other countries).
What struck me most today was how fanatical Lord Falconer is not just on this, but on other issues of concern. Despite many good interventions pointing out the especial vulnerability of homeless people and those in prison, he wouldn’t contemplate denying anyone of this “right” to commit suicide.
There were also some good points made about how pro-death activists are trying to pressure Lords into rushing the Bill into law. Lord Moore, former Telegraph and Spectator editor, described how lobbyists are putting a lot of pressure on the media to run articles attacking anyone who dares to debate the Bill properly.
The Committee stage will resume on the 9th January 2026, with sessions scheduled nearly every Friday up until 26 April.
I know this has been an incredibly long and gruelling campaign, with 2026 moving us into a third calendar year fighting this Bill. Thank you so much for all you have done this year and beyond to stop assisted suicide. Please keep the momentum up and keep writing to members of the House of Lords.
|
|
A special note to supporters in Wales. The Senedd is expected to vote on a legislative consent motion on this Bill on 20th January 2026. Please write to your Senedd members and ask them to vote against this motion. This is about giving consent to the Leadbeater Bill being approved in Wales, so you can use any of our briefings on the main campaign page. You can find out who your MSs are here. Alternatively, you can use this tool set up by the Bishops Conference, or our friends at Care not Killing will have one up imminently.
Thank you again for all you do to oppose assisted suicide and protect the most vulnerable.
With best wishes,
|
|
Alithea Williams
Public Policy Manager
|
|
|
|
