Reforms to assisted dying laws could be debated in the Commons after an MP signalled his intention to bring forward a proposed law.
Labour’s Jake Richards said his first preference for a private member’s bill (PMB) would be to “reform our archaic assisted dying laws” after he secured one of the top 20 spots to introduce a proposal to the Commons.
The Rother Valley MP missed out on a top seven spot in the PMB ballot, which would have guaranteed him a day’s debate, but he was drawn in 11th position, meaning he is likely to secure some parliamentary time on a Friday sitting to debate a Bill of his choice.
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Assisting someone to end their life is currently a criminal offence in England and Wales.
Former Labour justice secretary Lord Falconer of Thoroton has introduced the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill in the House of Lords, which is expected to be debated in mid-November.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also previously acknowledged the need to debate the divisive issue, but said he is “uncharacteristically undecided” on the topic.
Mr Richards, writing on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, said: “Happy to have made the Private Members’ Bill ballot.
“Subject to procedure and those ahead of me, I’ve made it clear that my first preference for a bill would be to reform our archaic assisted dying laws, working with @dignityindying and others.
“The time has come.”
Ross Hendry, chief executive of Christian Action, Research and Education, which is opposed to a change in the law, said what he described as assisted suicide “undermines human dignity and puts vulnerable groups at greater risk of abuse and harm”.
He added: “UK politicians should ensure that investment and infrastructure are in place to ensure high-quality palliative care for all people. The UK has huge work to do in this area, given a chronic underfunding of this aspect of healthcare.
“We’d also emphasise the need to enhance suicide prevention, and work towards a society where all lives are considered.”
The prospect of legalising assisted death has increasingly been in the spotlight, with moves being made elsewhere in the British Isles, and the revelation from TV star Dame Esther Rantzen, who has cancer, that she has joined Dignitas.