The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care (Baroness Merron) (Lab)

My Lords, as noble Lords are very aware, the Government remain neutral on the Bill and on the principle of assisted dying. This is a Private Member’s Bill, not government legislation. On issues of societal change, as we have discussed, Private Members’ Bills have long been a vehicle to handle matters of sensitivity and important matters of conscience, as in this case. As I made clear during my remarks at Second Reading and throughout Committee, my role, alongside that of my noble friend Lady Levitt, has been to help to ensure that, if passed, the Bill would be technically and legally workable. Sixteen sitting Fridays were allocated for debate on the Bill and, as my noble friend the Chief Whip has said consistently, it was for the sponsor of the Bill and your Lordships’ House to determine how to use that time. We know that assisted dying is an emotive topic, and we recognise that there are deeply held views on all sides of the debate. We have spent many hours debating this important matter and, while noble Lords across the House have often differed on matters of principle and policy, I believe that there is a desire in the House to do the best for people at the end of their lives, at their most vulnerable.