Standing With the Lords Who Are Standing With Us

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is now being scrutinised in the House of Lords. Some peers have been doing exactly what the Lords are supposed to do — asking hard questions, proposing amendments, and pushing back on a Bill that we believe puts disabled and terminally ill people at serious risk. For that, they have faced criticism and, in some cases, personal attack.

Not Dead Yet UK wants to be clear: we think these peers are doing their job. Scrutiny is not obstruction. Asking difficult questions about safeguards is not cruel. It is democracy working as it should — and disabled people's lives may depend on it.

More than 80 of our supporters have already signed the open letter below. If you share our concerns about this Bill, we'd like you to add your name too. When you sign, we'll ask for your name, your email address, and — if relevant — the organisation you work for or represent. That information will be included in the letter sent to the peers, but it will not be shared any further. [Sign the letter here — link]

You have until the 4th of March to add your name.

Dear

I'm writing on behalf of Not Dead Yet UK to pass on our heartfelt thanks for the level of commitment that you have shown in seeking to deliver proper scrutiny on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

We're working closely with Baroness Jane Campbell, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Baroness Ilora Finlay, and others to help them address the concerns of disabled people. You may have seen our earlier briefing sent last year, which we sent to nearly all Peers.

We know this has not been an easy Committee stage. Public debate has become increasingly heated. Some of the commentary directed at Peers who raise concerns has crossed the line into personal attack. You should not have to deal with that. But we see it, and we appreciate your steadiness and care in the face of it.

As a disabled people's campaigning organisation, our sole focus is on the real-world risks this Bill poses for disabled people. We are deeply concerned that the proposed Bill is simply unsafe. Without comprehensive amendment, with significantly improved safeguards, we are sure those who are isolated or otherwise vulnerable to pressure will be put at serious risk of harm. We're extraordinarily grateful that you are ensuring these issues are properly tested in Parliament.

Our capacity is limited, but we do want to be useful. If there is anything further we can help with — brief evidence, lived-experience insights, links to disabled people's organisations, or a quick sense-check of how a proposal might land with disabled people — please do let us know.

Whatever happens next procedurally, please know you have our support and respect.

Thank you again for your work.

With best wishes, Not Dead Yet UK www.notdeadyetuk.org