Hansard Society highlights concerns over delegated powers in assisted dying bill

Article summary

The Hansard Society has published a briefing raising concerns about the delegated powers contained in the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, also known as the assisted dying bill. The briefing focuses on two key clauses: Clause 20, which grants the Secretary of State power to specify approved substances for assisted dying via negative procedure regulations, and Clause 32, which provides broad Henry VIII powers to make regulations ensuring assistance is available. The Society calls for increased parliamentary scrutiny of these powers, such as using the affirmative procedure and suggests requiring consultation before specifying approved substances. The briefing also notes the absence of a Delegated Powers Memorandum for the bill, which would typically provide justification for such powers and their proposed scrutiny procedures.