Happy Friday, one and all. It is a big day in the House of Lords as peers gear up to scrutinise Kim Leadbeater’s Assisted Dying Bill. A potentially record-breaking 191 peers have put their names to speak, with many expressing concern about the legal, political and moral consequences of the Bill. Among those scheduled to speak today is Baroness May of Maidenhead, the former Prime Minister, who is expected to lead the charge against the legislation.
And research suggests she will not be alone. For Steerpike has got his hands on the speaking list for day one of the Leadbeater Bill, which was sent this morning to peers. Some 95 of their noble lords are scheduled to speak. Of those whose positions are known, 67 per cent are speaking in opposition to the Bill with just 33 per cent speaking in support, according to research done by Right to Life. Of the 95 listed peers, 47 are against Leadbeater’s Bill, with 22 in favour and 26 unknown. That, of course, is the exact opposite of the Second Reading in the House of Commons, where a majority of MPs spoke in support of the Bill.
With so many against the Bill, can it really get through the Lords? Good luck Charlie Falconer et al – you are certainly going to need it…
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