Coffee House Shots MPs back assisted dying: what next?
Jun 20, 2025
Rajiv Shah, a former adviser in No. 10 and vocal critic of the assisted dying bill, joins the discussion with Lucy Dunn and James Hale. They unpack the narrow Commons vote favoring assisted dying and the challenges it faces in the House of Lords. Concerns about the bill's drafting and the responsibilities it places on the NHS versus private doctors spark debate. The conversation also touches on party dynamics, particularly how Keir Starmer's actions may impact Labour's future amidst ongoing divisions.
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Narrow Passage Highlights Concerns
- The assisted dying bill passed by a narrow 23-vote majority, down from previous margins.
- There remain unanswered questions and concerns about the bill's specifics among MPs.
Lords Face Tough Choice on Amendments
- The House of Lords usually avoids amending private members' bills due to procedural complexity.
- However, significant amendments on this bill are likely necessary, causing parliamentary challenges.
Commons Cannot Outsource Responsibility
- MPs often remarked the bill's imperfections could be fixed later in the Lords, but this is misleading.
- The Commons bears full responsibility for the bill, especially on such a sensitive issue as assisted dying.