Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Lords: What Has Happened, What’s Next, and How You Can Act

The debate over the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted dying in the UK, has reached a critical juncture in the House of Lords. As of September 19th, 2025, the bill has undergone significant scrutiny, with a majority of peers expressing opposition. This article outlines the current status, the upcoming steps, and actionable advice for those wishing to influence the legislative process.

What Has Happened: The Bill’s Journey Through Parliament

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)/ Assisted Suicide Bill was initially passed by the House of Commons after a series of debates and votes. However, luckily for those of us in opposition to the Bill, its journey through the House of Lords has been marked by contention. On September 12th, 2025, the House of Lords held a second reading of the bill, a crucial stage where the general principles are debated but not voted upon. During this session, a significant two-thirds majority of peers spoke against the bill, highlighting concerns over its ethical, legal, and practical implications.

Lord Brennan, a prominent figure in the debate, reminded peers of the Hippocratic Oath’s principle, “First, do no harm,” arguing that assisted dying turns this fundamental medical ethic upside down. His stance resonates with many who fear the bill could lead to unintended consequences, such as pressuring vulnerable individuals to end their lives prematurely.

The Hansard Society’s guide to the legislative process in the House of Lords indicates that the bill must now navigate committee stage, report stage, and third reading before it can be sent back to the Commons. The committee stage, where amendments are considered, is particularly critical, as it allows peers to refine or reject parts of the legislation.

What’s Next: The Legislative Process in the House of Lords

Following the second reading, the bill enters the committee stage, where detailed line-by-line examination occurs. This stage is scheduled to begin soon, and it is here that the bill’s fate could be significantly altered. The Hansard Society’s PDF on the legislative process emphasises that the committee stage is where the most substantive changes are typically made, and it is often the last opportunity for major revisions before the final vote.

After the committee stage, the bill will proceed to the report stage, where the House of Lords will consider amendments proposed during the committee stage. Finally, the third reading will occur, where a vote on the bill as a whole is likely. If the bill passes these stages, it will return to the House of Commons for further consideration. However, if significant changes are made in the Lords, the Commons may reject those changes, leading to a ping-pong process between the two chambers.

The Right to Life UK has reported that the bill is in jeopardy due to the strong opposition from peers, suggesting that the upcoming stages could be decisive. The organisation’s press release highlights the ethical concerns and the potential for the bill to undermine the sanctity of life, a sentiment echoed by many during the debates.

Assisted_dying_bill_-_House_of_Lords_legislative_processDownload

What You Can Do: Writing to Lords and MPs to Influence the Outcome

If you oppose the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and wish to ensure it does not pass, there are several steps you can take to make your voice heard. Writing to members of the House of Lords and your MP is one of the most effective ways to influence the legislative process.

Contacting Members of the House of Lords

The UK Parliament’s website provides detailed instructions on how to contact members of the House of Lords. You can find a member’s contact details on their webpage or use the email address contactholmember@parliament.uk. The Lords Enquiry Service is also available at 0800 223 0855 (Freephone) or 020 7219 3107, operating from 10am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 4pm on Fridays.

When writing to a Lord, be clear and concise. Express your opposition to the bill, citing specific concerns such as the ethical implications, the potential for coercion, and the impact on vulnerable populations. Reference the debates and the views expressed by peers like Lord Brennan to strengthen your argument. For example:

“Dear Lord [Name],
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. As highlighted during the second reading, a majority of peers have raised significant concerns about the bill’s potential to undermine the principle of ‘do no harm.’ I urge you to consider these ethical implications during the committee stage and to support amendments that protect the most vulnerable in our society.”

Send a letter to Peers to ask them to oppose the Leadbeater assisted suicide Bill

Contacting Your MP

Although the bill has already passed the Commons, your MP can still play a role if the bill returns from the Lords with amendments. Use the UK Parliament’s website to find your MP’s contact details and write to them expressing your concerns. Emphasize the importance of scrutinizing any changes made by the Lords and the potential for the Commons to reject the bill if it does not adequately address these issues.

“Dear [MP’s Name],
I am writing to urge you to oppose the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill if it returns from the House of Lords with insufficient safeguards. The ethical concerns raised during the Lords’ debates, particularly the risk of coercion and the impact on vulnerable individuals, must be addressed. Please consider these factors when the bill comes back to the Commons.”

Find out if your MP voted for assisted suicide and ask them to vote the right way next time

Additional Actions

Beyond writing letters, you can also engage with organisations like Right to Life UK, which provide resources and guidance for opposing the bill. Sharing information on social media platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), can also raise awareness. Posts by numerous users have highlighted key quotes and concerns, amplifying the debate.

Conclusion: The Critical Role of Public Engagement

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill’s passage through the House of Lords is at a pivotal point. The strong opposition from peers during the second reading suggests that the bill’s future is uncertain, but the upcoming committee stage will be decisive. By writing to Lords and MPs, you can help ensure that ethical concerns are prioritised and that the bill does not pass without adequate safeguards.

Stay informed by following the latest updates on the Hansard Society’s website and the UK Parliament’s legislative tracker. Your voice matters, and collective action can influence the outcome of this critical legislation.

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