The event focused strictly on the parliamentary dynamics surrounding this Bill, rather than the merits or policy debates surrounding assisted dying.

In advance of the Second Reading debate on the Bill, our panel of experts explain what is likely to unfold and what procedural hurdles may affect the Bill’s progress. The event covered key issues, including:

• How PMBs operate: Discover what typically happens during the Second Reading of PMBs on sitting Fridays, and how this differs from the treatment of Government bills. What role will speech limits, filibustering and closure motions play in the debate?

• PMBs as a legislative tool: Are PMBs and free votes suitable vehicles for enacting the right to assisted dying? We will explore precedents and lessons from past bills.

• Procedural challenges specific to this Bill: What hurdles does this Bill face, particularly given its subject matter?

• Pathways and roadblocks if passed: If the Bill receives a Second Reading, what procedural factors could aid or hinder its journey?

• Government involvement: Does the Government have responsibilities in relation to Private Members' Bills, even if they are maintaining an officially 'neutral' stance? What options does the Government have to allocate additional time for the Bill if it survives Second Reading? What other procedural changes may be needed? We will look at the legislative precedents for context.

• House of Lords consideration: Should the Bill progress through the Commons, what might its journey in the House of Lords entail?

Through clear explanations and Q&A opportunities, you will gain a solid understanding of the procedural landscape that will shape the Assisted Dying Bill’s legislative journey.

• Sir David Natzler was Clerk of the House of Commons from 2015 to 2019, after a career in the House of Commons service which began in the mid-1970s. As Clerk he combined the twin roles of head of the 2,500 strong House of Commons service and being the senior adviser to the Speaker and all members of the House on parliamentary practice and procedure and on the constitution. His time as Clerk covered two general elections and the EU referendum.

• Dr Daniel Gover is a Lecturer in British Politics at Queen Mary University of London and a specialist in legislative studies. His research focuses on how parliamentary procedures impact policy outcomes, with a particular focus on Private Members’ Bills.

• Dr Ruth Fox is Director of the Hansard Society and co-host of our weekly Parliament Matters podcast. She has written regularly about Private Members’ Bills and how they should be reformed. She has also given evidence to the House of Commons Procedure Committee on several occasions regarding reform of PMB procedures.

• The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - the Bill and Explanatory Notes

• David Natzler, What future for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill? (Constitution Unit, 4 November 2024)

• Daniel Gover, Assisted dying bill enters Parliament – how likely is it to become law? (The Conversation, 16 October 2024)

• Daniel Gover, How to improve parliamentary scrutiny of the assisted dying bill (The Constitution Unit, 26 November 2024)

• Ruth Fox, Enhancing the role of backbench MPs: Proposals for reform of Private Members’ Bills (Hansard Society, 2011)

• Hansard Society, Procedural guide to Private Members’ Bills

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