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Proceeding contribution from Lord Baker of Dorking (Conservative) in the House of Lords on Friday, 24 April 2026. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HL) on Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.


Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

I recognise that there is that power, but it is very rarely used. That is the point I have been making all the time. Juries will not convict.

This has happened before in our history. There was a time when the law decided that youngsters as young as 10 or 12 could be hanged for stealing a pocket handkerchief. That fell away because juries would not convict. Similarly, I do not believe that the present law on suicide can in fact operate effectively, and therefore it should be changed.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
855 c861 
Session
2024-26
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Euthanasia Ministerial powers Parliamentary scrutiny Henry VIII clauses Terminal illnesses
Legislation
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-26
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on hansard.parliament.uk