Pro-Assisted Dying Campaigners Launch Lords Letter-Writing Campaign – Guido Fawkes

Pro-Assisted Dying Campaigners Launch Lords Letter-Writing Campaign

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Kim Leadbeater’s Assisted Dying Bill returns to the Commons on 13 June for its Report Stage, where further amendments will be considered ahead of its Third Reading, scheduled for 20 June. Although the Bill passed its Second Reading with a majority of 55, its future is far from certain – with sources saying the next vote is on a “knife-edge.” Thirteen MPs who voted in favour of the Bill and have publicly said they will either vote against it or abstain at Third Reading. Unlike in the other direction, where no MPs have publicly switched…

Campaign group Dignity in Dying has already turned its focus to the Lords in anticipation of the Bill clearing the Commons. In a recent email to supporters in constituencies where MPs voted against the Bill, the group urged them to write directly to members of the Lords. The email reads:

“Your MP has made their opposition to the Leadbeater Bill clear. While that’s frustrating… it’s an opportunity. Unlike MPs, Peers don’t have staff to manage their emails – so a simple, heartfelt letter is the most effective way to convince them to support the Bill… Prefer to handwrite your letter? Great! We’ll assign you a Peer to write to.”

A Times poll last month showed 42% of MPs are against the Bill, with just 36% in favour. Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood are the most prominent cabinet figures to have spoken out against the bill – Starmer voted in favour at the second reading. With divisions emerging inside Labour’s ranks, No. 10 may be looking at ways to manage yet another red-on-red row. All to play for…