Date: Friday 12th September 2025
Release time: Immediate
Care Not Killing welcomes the many detailed speeches in the House of Lords, at the conclusion of the first day of Second Reading, that have exposed the “deeply flawed” assisted dying bill and highlighted the dangers of changing the law.
Dr Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing, commented:
“For those watching the debate today, several things were absolutely clear:
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A majority of peers raised concerns with either the principle or specific elements of the draft legislation;
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Many peers were worried about the rushed nature of the bill and only having four days to discuss detailed amendments;
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Significant numbers highlighted how safeguards had already been watered down, such as the removal of the High Court overseeing each application;
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Others highlighted how in some jurisdictions such as Canada, the Netherlands, and Belgium, eligibility had been massively expanded, allowing those with eating disorders, mental health problems or treatable conditions such as diabetes to qualify for an assisted death;
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The bill leaves many areas (42) to be decided upon by ministers at a later date;
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Professional bodies and Royal Colleges representing relevant medical specialities – psychiatrists, physicians, GPs, geriatrics and palliative medicine – have all raised concerns;
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Opt-outs for those caring for terminally ill, vulnerable and disabled people were inadequate;
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The incompatibility of this bill with human rights legislation and other laws, such as the Mental Capacity Act 2005;
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Those with eating disorders should be specifically excluded from accessing an assisted death;
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Legalising assisted dying will impact on the UK’s suicide prevention strategies;
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Polling shows the public wants Parliament to fix end-of-life care before legalising assisted suicide;
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It would be virtually impossible to safeguard vulnerable people from coercion or subtle pressure, especially those with learning difficulties, Down syndrome or Autism.”
Dr Macdonald concluded:
“The Lords monstered this deeply flawed bill today, with a majority of the speakers highlighting problems. It is therefore vital that peers are given the time and space they need to properly scrutinise this legislation, without Government interference or pressure from the whips. If they are not given this time or are unable to fix this badly drafted legislation, then there is only one option open to them. They must vote down Kim Leadbeater’s dangerous Assisted Dying Bill at the earliest possible opportunity and focus on fixing the UK’s broken palliative care system. In short, we need more care, not killing.”
Ends
Editors Notes
Care Not Killing is a UK-based alliance bringing together human rights and disability rights organisations, health care and palliative care groups, faith-based organisations groups, and thousands of concerned individuals.
We have three key aims:
- to promote more and better palliative care;
- to ensure that existing laws against euthanasia and assisted suicide are not weakened or repealed;
- to inform public opinion further against any weakening of the law.
*As this story is dealing with suicide, please could we ask that you include details about organisations that offer help and support to vulnerable people who might be feeling suicidal such as the Samaritans, CALM or similar – Thank you.*
