Christian politicians and campaigners have responded to major developments on assisted dying, as legislation in England and Wales appears set to fail while laws progress elsewhere in the British Isles.
It's understood the government is not expected to grant extra time in the House of Lords to debate hundreds of amendments, meaning the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is now almost certain to run out of time in the current parliamentary session.
At the same time, Jersey’s States Assembly has passed its draft Assisted Dying Law, sending the legislation for royal assent. Jersey becomes the second part of the British Isles to approve assisted dying, following the Isle of Man, where Tynwald agreed a legal framework last year.
Christian advocacy organisation CARE welcomed the likely failure of the Westminster Bill, saying it would protect vulnerable people. Director of communications and engagement, James Mildred described the proposed legislation as "irredeemably flawed".
“This is good news for the most vulnerable across England and Wales because no assisted suicide law can ever be made fully safe from abuse, coercion or exploitation,” he said in a statement to Premier Christian News.
Mildred rejected claims of obstruction by Lord Falconer, who insisted it's not the end of the road for the bill, adding: “This is not filibustering. It is the House of Lords performing its duty.”
Concerns about the quality of the legislation were echoed by Alistair Thompson of Care Not Killing, who described the Bill that left the Commons as “a complete mess”.
He said more than 1,000 amendments were tabled to strengthen oversight and safeguards, including protections for people with hidden disabilities, adding that similar problems remain in Jersey and the Isle of Man.
“There are very significant problems with how these laws fit with the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People,” he said.
Christian and Labour Peer Lord Marvin Rees said he remains opposed to the legislation because it fails to adequately protect vulnerable groups.
“There’s a real concern about whether the legislation offers enough protections,” he said. “Personally, I don’t think it does.”
Drawing on his background in the NHS and public health, Lord Rees warned that inequality plays a major role in end-of-life choices.
“We talk about dignity in dying, but we also have to talk about dignity in sickness,” he said, highlighting how people on lower incomes often have fewer resources to navigate serious illness.
Campaigners also challenged claims that assisted dying is necessary because palliative care is inadequate. Thompson said meaningful improvement is possible but requires sustained investment, noting that much of the UK’s hospice care is funded by charitable giving rather than the state.
Both Thompson and Lord Rees urged Christians to respond with prayer and action.
“Pray for the NHS and the people in it,” Lord Rees said, “but also for local government and public health, as we seek a more just and compassionate society.”
