'I'm really optimistic we will get it through'

Peer leading support in Lords believes law could be ready next year

- By Hanna Geissler Health Editor

MOST peers are expected to back the assisted dying bill as it faces the next crucial stage on the way to becoming law, the man leading the process has predicted.

The House of Lords is due to hold a second reading debate on the landmark Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill tomorrow and next Friday, with more than 200 peers registered to speak.

Lord Charlie Falconer, a longtime backer of assisted dying and the bill’s sponsor in parliament’s upper house, told the Daily Express he believes both supporters and opponents are committed to a fair and thorough scrutiny process.

The barrister and former Labour justice secretary under Sir Tony Blair has led several previous attempts to change the law for terminally ill people nearing the end of life. He said: “This time, because it’s coming from the Commons — the elected chamber — and because the Government has said the end of this parliamentary session is not going to be until the spring of next year, we’ve got the bill, we’ve got the approval of the Commons, and we've got the time.

“I am really optimistic that this time it will get through.”

The Express sat down with Lord Falconer of Thoroton in the office of Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP who introduced the bill last year after being drawn first in the ballot that allows backbenchers to propose new laws.

Ms Leadbeater admitted she had needed a break over the summer after nine intense months spent shepherding her bill through its stages in the Commons, which culminated in a third reading vote that saw MPs back it by 314 votes in favour to 291 against.