"Peers have backed calls for extra time for the House of Lords to debate the assisted dying bill. The proposal was put forward by supporters, who are increasingly concerned it could run out of time to pass all its parliamentary stages. However, some opponents argued the bill was unsafe and suggested even more time to debate the legislation could not transform it."
"There will now be private negotiations between peers over when and how much extra time should be granted. Extending debates already scheduled on Fridays is one likely option but sitting later would anger some Jewish peers because the weekly religious Shabbat ceremony begins at sunset. Peers have already been given 10 extra sessions to debate the legislation but with more than 1,000 amendments proposed there is a risk it will not pass all its parliamentary stages in time."
"Supporters of assisted dying have raised concerns that the number of amendments put forward - which experts believe is a record for a bill proposed by a backbench MP - is a delaying tactic aimed at blocking the bill from becoming law. Opponents insist they are not obstructing the bill but believe significant changes are needed to make it safe and to protect vulnerable people."
Peers in the House of Lords supported extra time to debate an assisted dying bill that faces a deadline before early May. Supporters sought the extension because more than 1,000 amendments risk preventing completion of parliamentary stages. Opponents called the bill unsafe and said more debate would not make it safe. MPs approved the bill but it must pass the Lords. Negotiations will decide when and how to extend sittings; extending Friday debates risks angering Jewish peers because Shabbat begins at sunset. Supporters view many amendments as a delaying tactic; opponents say significant changes are needed to protect vulnerable people. Lord Falconer warned failure to conclude would damage the Lords' reputation.
Read at www.bbc.com
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