Assisted suicide: the fight goes on

You’re a peer with a cause close to your heart. A legislative opportunity arises to tack on an amendment to a bill coming from the Commons to the House of Lords. Who better to ask to put it down than someone who until two years ago headed the justice system as lord high chancellor of Great Britain?

It was his good friend, fellow Labour peer, former health minister, and former leader of the House of Lords, Margaret Jay, says Charlie Falconer, who suggested that he might table the amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill. The amendment, which she co-sponsored, would give those who accompany loved ones abroad for assisted suicide immunity from prosecution.1 After a highly emotive debate, it was defeated this month by 194 votes to 141.2 But far from giving up, Lord Falconer is considering a comeback as soon as October or November, this time via a private member’s bill.