Mr Peter Bedford

Mr Peter Bedford

Conservative — Mid Leicestershire

Speaking in the House of Commons on 8 June 2026

Debate

Progression of Bills through Parliament

Contribution

No, I will carry on, because of time. In the other place, 13 of the 14 allocated private Members’ Bills days were dedicated to the assisted dying Bill, so that amendments to it could be discussed fully and in a proper way. Yet despite all that, a select few Lords were able not simply to oppose the Bill but to shut down debate altogether. That should concern all of us. Whatever side of the debate hon. Members are on, if we want our constituents to have confidence in our parliamentary democracy, we must ensure that the right to debate—the right to make considered decisions—is not lost to procedural dark arts. That is what the public expect of us, and it is what will ensure that this place continues to be one of the most respected democratic institutions in the world.

More from Mr Peter Bedford

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Mr Peter Bedford's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Mr Peter Bedford report card.

Partner sites