Christmas has come early for opponents of the assisted dying Bill. Having spent the last year complaining that the legislation is being rushed without enough time for proper scrutiny, they have been given the generous gift of 10 extra days for the House of Lords to debate it next year. If used constructively, this should allow time for many more of the 1,000-plus amendments tabled to be considered, and for real progress to be made.

But instead of expressing gratitude, critics are up in arms about “preferential treatment” for what is perhaps the most important Private Member’s Bill to come before Parliament in a generation. This is because, despite MPs having backed the legislation in two major votes, and independent polling showing the majority of the public supports this change, a sma

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