Assisted suicide bill looks likely to falter in the Lords as Peers line up to oppose it

A highly controversial bill to legalise assisted suicide looks like it may die in the House of Lords, as there will not be enough time to debate and vote on all the amendments that have been tabled.

The bill’s chief supporter in the Lords, Lord Falconer (pictured), is furious and has threatened to use the Parliament Act to force the legislation through, setting up a potential constitutional crisis.

But the bill’s critics say the House of Commons is at fault for rushing the original legislation, sending a shoddy and ill-considered bill to the upper chamber of Parliament, especially on such serious matters of life and death.

Pro-life groups say the record number of amendments that have been tabled are not a spoiling tactic, but rather a reflection of the deep misgivings that many Peers have.