Amid much debate and controversy, Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater introduced The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill as a private member’s bill in October 2024 with the aim of legalising assisted dying.

Following concerns that the assisted dying bill is “unworkable”, however, she has agreed to postpone the implementation of the legislation until after the next election.

The progress of the bill has been difficult and has hugely divided the chamber with a split of 330 in favour and 275 against. Since MPs voted to approve the bill in November 2024, the Assisted Dying Bill Committee have sought expert advice on any proposed amendments following careful scrutiny of the contents.

Psychiatrists gave evidence to the committee and warned that the proposed legislation would ‘undermine the daily efforts of psychiatrists across the UK to prevent suicide’ and added that ‘those who have suicidal ideation at any time in life may be vulnerable to pressures to take their own life by the introduction of doctor-assisted suicide.’

In March, the committee decided to remove the requirement for a High Court judge to approve assisted dying applications. For many, this was a key safeguard, however, concerns were raised by the Ministry of Justice and senior judges about the impact on the courts.

It is now reported that it has been agreed to postpone the introduction of the bill until after the next election, following concerns from the civil service that the bill is ‘unworkable.’ Although disappointed at the extended commencement period, Ms. Leadbeater remains hopeful of further progress in the bill and a spokesperson for the MP said 2029 was a ‘backstop.’

MPs for and against have also given their thoughts on the delay. Tom Gordon, a Liberal Democrat MP in favour of the bill who sits on the committee said:

“The current law is failing terminally ill people, forcing them to suffer unbearably, travel abroad to die or risk their families facing police investigations. This amendment would prolong that suffering unnecessarily. Delaying implementation risks pushing it beyond the next election, where it could be abandoned altogether.”

In contrast, Jess Asato, a Labour MP who is against the bill, said:

“Putting an arbitrary timeline on such a complex issue was never a sensible way to make life or death legislation. This last-minute switch demonstrates again just how chaotic this whole process has been with substantial last-minute changes to core sections of the bill.”

Clearly, the law around this complex issue is in flux. Attitudes, views and beliefs constantly evolving in the effort to balance self-determination with protection of the vulnerable.

If it is important to you that your wishes are followed in the final stages of life even if you become incapable of expressing those wishes yourself, then you should consider making a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney, whereby you can appoint a trusted friend or family member to speak on your behalf in the event of mental incapacity.

Read more about a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney here.

Next Steps...

If you need advice on this matter, please feel free to contact the Wills and Probate at Timms on 01283 214231 or via email at legal@timms-law.com.