Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

Debate between Lauren Edwards and Marsha De Cordova

2nd reading
Friday 11th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Lauren Edwards]

No, I will make a little bit more progress, please.

Although the Government are neutral on the issue of assisted dying—then, as now—they have a duty to ensure that any legislation that Parliament passes is effective, legally robust and workable. I am confident in saying to this House that the Bill before us today is a well-designed, safe piece of legislation.

[Marsha De Cordova (Battersea) (Lab)]

My hon. Friend is making a good case for this Bill, but she will know that when the Bill was introduced in 2024, no equality impact assessment was carried out. Recently, the Government have published the assessment, and it highlights the disproportionate impact that the Bill will have on black and ethnic minority communities and on disabled people. There is nothing in the Bill to address that point.

[Lauren Edwards]

I would start by saying that the Bill is explicit that it does not apply to people with a disability.