The UK government has raised concerns about the timeline for implementing assisted dying, prompting proposed amendments that could delay its introduction until 2029.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who is leading the bill, expressed disappointment over the potential postponement but stressed that the delay is necessary to establish proper training and oversight systems for the new service.
While the government has remained officially neutral on the bill, some ministers reportedly disagree on the need for a longer implementation period.
The amendment would extend the maximum timeframe from two years to four, but if all necessary systems are in place earlier, assisted dying could become available before the deadline.
The delay has sparked mixed reactions among MPs. Supporters argue that terminally ill patients should not be forced to wait years for the right to end their suffering, pointing out that other countries have introduced similar laws more swiftly.
Critics of the bill, however, believe that setting any fixed timeline on such a complex issue is premature and risks rushing through life-or-death legislation.
The bill will now return to the House of Commons for further debate. If approved, it will move to the House of Lords for additional scrutiny before becoming law.
