Sir Desmond Swayne Wins No. 1 PMB Ballot Spot as Assisted Dying Backers Eye Pick No. 2
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 21
Sir Desmond Swayne Wins No. 1 PMB Ballot Spot as Assisted Dying Backers Eye Pick No. 2
7 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 21
Sir Desmond Swayne drew first place in the Commons private members' bill ballot, giving the Conservative backbencher the strongest chance to steer a bill through Parliament this session.
Swayne has not chosen a proposal and reacted with a one-word "Regrets," reflecting his long-stated view that Parliament already makes too many laws.
Only 13 sitting Fridays are set aside for private members' bills, and just seven of the 20 ballot winners are guaranteed debating time, leaving many measures vulnerable to running out of time.
That risk sank Kim Leadbeater's assisted dying bill last month after it stalled in the Lords, shifting attention to this year's ballot for a backbencher willing to revive it.
Lauren Edwards, who drew No. 2 and previously backed assisted dying, appears a likelier route than Swayne or No. 3 Mike Wood, both of whom voted against it.
An MP who dislikes new laws just won the top law-making spot. What will he propose?
With assisted dying legal in Jersey, will Westminster's unelected Lords be allowed to block it again?
Can MPs use a century-old law to override the Lords' block on the assisted dying bill?