The House of Commons is bracing for one of the most contentious votes in years as MPs prepare to debate Kim Leadbeater’s Private Members' Bill on assisted dying on Friday. With Parliament divided and a free vote permitted, the proposal to allow terminally ill patients to choose to end their lives is set to dominate the political landscape this week. The bill includes safeguards requiring approval from two doctors and a judge, but opposition remains fierce, with critics arguing the process is moving too quickly for such a complex issue.
Private Members’ Bills rarely succeed, but the significance of this legislation has propelled it into the spotlight, with Labour backbench MPs expected to play a key role in the outcome. Public opinion appears to favour reform, with 65 percent backing assisted dying according to new polling, though concerns remain about the NHS’ capacity to deliver such a service. Labour MPs are still largely undecided, leaving the vote’s outcome uncertain. Opponents are rumoured to be considering filibustering Friday’s debate, which is capped at five hours, potentially stifling discussion from supporters.
Elsewhere, Labour is doubling down on its policy platform ahead of a busy week. On Tuesday, the Government will unveil a white paper focused on boosting employment, with revamped job centres, mental health support, and tailored local interventions at its core. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has promised sanctions for those who repeatedly refuse to engage with training or job opportunities, including controversial plans to penalise under-22s who refuse work or training opportunities. Critics, however, warn that reforms to disability benefits risk leaving vulnerable claimants unsupported.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under pressure to defend the Autumn Budget amid mounting criticism from business leaders. Reeves is set to address the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference, where she will defend tax hikes and national insurance increases despite concerns that they could stifle growth and cost jobs. The backdrop is tense: the CBI reports that 62 percent of businesses are cutting new hires and 48 percent are scaling back staffing due to increased employer costs. Making the headlines today, CBI chief Rain Newton-Smith has also highlighted frustrations over the government’s handling of tax policies, labelling the hikes a blow to business confidence.
The Prime Minister has announced drink spiking will be made a criminal offence, as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence begins today. The announcement includes funding to train 10,000 bar staff by spring and a commitment to introduce a new criminal offense for spiking. While the policy aims to enhance protections for women, it could paradoxically increase recorded incidents, complicating Labour’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.
As the week progresses, Reeves’ ability to hold firm under criticism, the outcome of Friday’s assisted dying vote, and Labour’s push to deliver on its legislative promises will be key tests of the Government’s resilience and strategic clarity.
What’s on in Parliament
Monday 25th November
House of Commons
- Oral Questions: Home Office
- Legislation: Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill - Second reading
- Westminster Hall debate: holidays during school term time
House of Lords
- Oral questions: Increasing the number of homes fitted with solar panels
- Oral questions: Tackling the issue of ‘dental deserts’, NHS areas with no provision for dentistry, and establishing new dental schools
- Legislation: Mental Health Bill - Second reading
Tuesday 26th November
House of Commons
- Oral Questions: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
- Ten Minute Rule Motion: Treatment of Terminal Illness
- Legislation: Tobacco and Vapes Bill - Second reading
- Westminster Hall debate: Delivery of electricity grid upgrades
- Westminster Hall debate: Online safety for children and young people
- Westminster Hall debate: The rollout of Project Gigabit in rural areas
House of Lords
- Oral questions: Strengthening the position of Wales within the UK
- Oral questions: Safeguarding the overall quantity of agricultural land for food production in the light of recent proposals for solar farms
- Legislation: Water (Special Measures) Bill - Third reading
Wednesday 27th November
House of Commons
- Oral Questions: Northern Ireland
- Prime Minister’s Question Time
- Legislation: Finance Bill - Second reading
- Westminster Hall Debate: UK air and missile defences
- Westminster Hall Debate: The matter of tackling violence against women and girls
House of Lords
- Oral questions: Strengthening Northern Ireland’s position within the UK
- Oral questions: Encouraging landlords back into the private rented sector for long-term rentals
- Legislation: Football Governance Bill - committee stage (day 1)
Thursday 28th November
House of Commons
- Oral Questions: Culture, Media and Sport
- Business Statement: Business Questions to the Leader of the House
- Westminster Hall Debate: The fishing industry
House of Lords
- Oral questions: Impartiality of the BBC as required by its Charter
- Oral questions: Plans by the BRIC’s countries to establish a separate banking payments system, and the implications for the international banking system
- Debate: Increasing interest in mandating that schools be mobile phone-free
Friday 29th November
House of Commons
- Private Members’ Bill: Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second reading
- Private Members' Bill: Employment Rights (Special Constables) Bill - Second reading
- Private Members' Bill: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Amendment) - Second reading
- Private Members' Bill: Carers and Care Workers Bill - Second reading
House of Lords
- The House of Lords is not sitting. The House will next sit on 2 December 2024.