Assisted Dying Bill progresses to the House of Lords

June 2025

News

Prospect Hospice is a registered charity that brings care, comfort and confidence to thousands of people living with life-limiting conditions across Swindon, Marlborough and north east Wiltshire. We’ve proudly supported our community for over 45 years and are the only outstanding specialist end-of-life care provider for our 330,000 strong population.

Talking about death can feel daunting. But we believe everyone deserves the chance to live well and die well – with dignity, control and the best possible support.

Today, Parliament voted to progress the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to the House of Lords. The Bill proposes, under strict safeguards, terminally ill adults to request assistance to end their own life. This is only the start of a long process. Even if passed by the Lords it would take at least four years for national frameworks, guidance and regulation to be developed and implemented.

What this means for patients, families and staff right now

· Nothing changes today. Assisted dying remains illegal until and unless the Bill completes the full parliamentary process and receives Royal Assent

· Our care continues. Prospect Hospice will continue to offer exceptional, personalised care that puts dignity, comfort and choice at its heart. People can and do, live and die well with us

· We listen and inform. While legal decisions sit with parliament and society, we will keep sharing clear, balanced updates and listening to the people we serve

Our wider commitment

We know this is a deeply personal and complex issue, shaped by beliefs, experiences and emotions. Whatever your perspective, our doors stay open, our team stays focused and our care remains grounded in what matters most: helping people live fully and approach death with calm, comfort and compassionate care.

As experts in end-of-life care, we will:

1. Continue to operate entirely within the law and follow national guidance

2. Partner with Hospice UK, local NHS teams and regulators to understand what changes might mean in practice

3. Champion excellent palliative care for all – so no one feels pushed into a decision by fear or lack of support

4. Encourage open, honest conversations about death to ease fear and stigma

5. Campaign for fair funding so that expert hospice care is properly supported and protected

The reality of hospice funding

Providing outstanding hospice care is already financially demanding. This year alone, it will cost around £10 million to run Prospect Hospice – and that figure is expected to rise. With less than 20% coming from Government funding, we rely on the generosity of our community through fundraising and donations.

If the law changes, implementing any new services will require major investment. We’ll advocate strongly to ensure hospices are properly funded so existing care is never put at risk. For independent information on the Bill, visit the UK Parliament website. Hospice UK’s current position can be viewed on its website. If you have questions or need support, please call us on 01793 813355 or e-mail communications@prospect-hospice.net.

Signed, Jeremy Lune, Chief Executive – on behalf of the Senior Management Team & Board of Trustees Date: Friday 20 June 2025

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