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03 October 2025 / Michael Zander KC
Issue: 8133 / Categories: Features , Procedure & practice , Human rights , Health
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Will the assisted dying Bill reach the statute book?

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In the second part in a series tracking the passage of the Bill, Michael Zander KC reports on the current uncertainty

In brief

  • The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is progressing through the Lords, with debate coming directly after two highly critical reports from House of Lords committees.
  • Baroness Berger’s amendment that a select committee be set up to hear evidence from professional bodies’ was accepted.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill began its progress through the House of Lords with two all-day debates (10am to 4pm) on 12 and 19 September. Because of the great number of peers who had indicated their wish to contribute (191), speeches were limited to four minutes.

There were many speeches in favour of the Bill, many speeches against the Bill, and many speeches in favour of the Bill in principle but not in its present form. How this will turn out, when it eventually comes to counting votes on amendments

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens Sheffield regulatory practice with new hires

Sackers—Louise McRae & Annabella Hwang

Sackers—Louise McRae & Annabella Hwang

Sackers recruits new associates

McHale & Co—Shaun Little & Patrick Byrne

McHale & Co—Shaun Little & Patrick Byrne

Firm bolsters senior team with head of corporate and head of employment

NEWS
A wide-ranging Civil Way column highlights developments from insolvency procedure to employment law, but one case stands out for its lessons on bankruptcy, family homes and digital communications
A sprawling Intellectual Property Office battle between House of Fraser and Frasers Property has delivered a masterclass in modern trade mark law
Courts in England and Wales and Singapore are increasingly confronting complex disputes over international child relocation as families become more globally mobile
The government’s long-awaited family law reform consultation could mark a turning point for domestic abuse victims navigating financial remedy proceedings, but significant challenges remain
A new commercial court pilot giving the public access to documents used in hearings, including expert reports, is raising difficult questions about transparency and privacy
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