Nathan Stilwell
@nathan-stilwell.bsky.social
Currently campaigning for Assisted Dying with My Death, My Decision and Humanists UK. Big fan of London
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
"If the Lords block this, it should be their last gasp." - @pollytoynbee.bsky.social @theguardian.com #AssistedDying
If the assisted dying bill is killed off by the Lords, let that be the end for this unelected chamber | Polly Toynbee
With filibustering slowing the pace to a crawl, there is no chance the legislation will get through – unless the government shows some backbone, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2026 at 10:12 AM
"If the Lords block this, it should be their last gasp." - @pollytoynbee.bsky.social @theguardian.com #AssistedDying
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
A change that has been debated in our country for 90 years, supported by 75% the public, passed by the elected representatives of the British people, blocked by an undemocratic body, a large proportion of whom are playing schoolboy games. This is a broken system. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Assisted dying bill backers say it is ‘near impossible’ it will pass House of Lords
Exclusive: Legislation thought unlikely even to be put to vote before timing out after delay tactics by opponents
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:32 PM
A change that has been debated in our country for 90 years, supported by 75% the public, passed by the elected representatives of the British people, blocked by an undemocratic body, a large proportion of whom are playing schoolboy games. This is a broken system. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
A national disgrace in the making
EXC - MPs and peers who backed the assisted dying bill now believe it is “near impossible” for it to pass the House of Lords in time because of procedural obstacles used by opponents.
“It is our system at its absolute most dysfunctional,” one MP said.
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
“It is our system at its absolute most dysfunctional,” one MP said.
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Assisted dying bill backers say it is ‘near impossible’ it will pass House of Lords
Exclusive: Legislation thought unlikely even to be put to vote before timing out after delay tactics by opponents
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:33 PM
A national disgrace in the making
A minister said: “They are making a mockery of our parliamentary system and bringing parliament into disrepute.”
Jim McMahon MP (voted against) has just tweeted: "It is not right for the unelected chamber to block the commons."
A political storm brewing?
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Jim McMahon MP (voted against) has just tweeted: "It is not right for the unelected chamber to block the commons."
A political storm brewing?
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Assisted dying bill backers say it is ‘near impossible’ it will pass House of Lords
Exclusive: Legislation thought unlikely even to be put to vote before timing out after delay tactics by opponents
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:22 PM
A minister said: “They are making a mockery of our parliamentary system and bringing parliament into disrepute.”
Jim McMahon MP (voted against) has just tweeted: "It is not right for the unelected chamber to block the commons."
A political storm brewing?
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Jim McMahon MP (voted against) has just tweeted: "It is not right for the unelected chamber to block the commons."
A political storm brewing?
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
Just had a lovely evening at a @humanists.uk event, where the ace @jimalkhalili.bsky.social was interviewing the excellent @profaliceroberts.bsky.social . Given the frenetic nature of the news & the world at the moment, a dose of reason, science and nuanced debate was very welcome. More of that!
January 21, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Just had a lovely evening at a @humanists.uk event, where the ace @jimalkhalili.bsky.social was interviewing the excellent @profaliceroberts.bsky.social . Given the frenetic nature of the news & the world at the moment, a dose of reason, science and nuanced debate was very welcome. More of that!
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
We’re moving office at @humanists.uk and it’s a reminder of what doesn’t change as much as what does! (Magazine from 2005)
January 21, 2026 at 5:28 PM
We’re moving office at @humanists.uk and it’s a reminder of what doesn’t change as much as what does! (Magazine from 2005)
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
During the States Assembly vote on assisted dying, Deputy Louise Doublet quoted a death doula describing an assisted death in Canada. A woman died peacefully, her husband holding her hand. It can be “freeing, beautiful and heartbreaking”.
This issue has only ever been about choice. #jersey
This issue has only ever been about choice. #jersey
January 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM
During the States Assembly vote on assisted dying, Deputy Louise Doublet quoted a death doula describing an assisted death in Canada. A woman died peacefully, her husband holding her hand. It can be “freeing, beautiful and heartbreaking”.
This issue has only ever been about choice. #jersey
This issue has only ever been about choice. #jersey
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
Jersey is one step closer to an assisted dying law after States Members voted 34-14 in favour.
My Death, My Decision welcomes this vote of confidence in a safe, compassionate law.
This is a historic moment for the people of Jersey.
My Death, My Decision welcomes this vote of confidence in a safe, compassionate law.
This is a historic moment for the people of Jersey.
January 21, 2026 at 10:19 AM
Jersey is one step closer to an assisted dying law after States Members voted 34-14 in favour.
My Death, My Decision welcomes this vote of confidence in a safe, compassionate law.
This is a historic moment for the people of Jersey.
My Death, My Decision welcomes this vote of confidence in a safe, compassionate law.
This is a historic moment for the people of Jersey.
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
It's a tragedy that the bishops fail to recognise the pain – and to hear the pleas – of terminally ill people who are subject to extreme suffering that even the very best palliative care cannot relieve.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/2577611...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/2577611...
Catholic bishops ask Senedd to withhold consent for assisted suicide bill
Senior Catholic clergy in Wales have spoken against possible new assisted suicide laws.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
January 20, 2026 at 11:35 AM
It's a tragedy that the bishops fail to recognise the pain – and to hear the pleas – of terminally ill people who are subject to extreme suffering that even the very best palliative care cannot relieve.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/2577611...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/2577611...
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
Hannah Slater is terminally ill. Her wishes are deeply personal and completely reasonable.
Running down the clock in Parliament doesn’t pause suffering. It guarantees that people like Hannah, spend their final weeks and months, in mental anguish about what their future holds. #AssistedDying
Running down the clock in Parliament doesn’t pause suffering. It guarantees that people like Hannah, spend their final weeks and months, in mental anguish about what their future holds. #AssistedDying
Assisted dying supporters fear time will run out before bill is passed
www.channel4.com/news/assiste...
www.channel4.com/news/assiste...
Assisted dying supporters fear time will run out before bill is passed
The House of Lords is debating more than a thousand amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill, which would give terminally ill adults with less than six months to live, the right to end their lives.
www.channel4.com
January 19, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Hannah Slater is terminally ill. Her wishes are deeply personal and completely reasonable.
Running down the clock in Parliament doesn’t pause suffering. It guarantees that people like Hannah, spend their final weeks and months, in mental anguish about what their future holds. #AssistedDying
Running down the clock in Parliament doesn’t pause suffering. It guarantees that people like Hannah, spend their final weeks and months, in mental anguish about what their future holds. #AssistedDying
Spotted a self-driving car in London tonight! It's mad but also feels so late, I remember learning about the tech in school and expecting them a decade ago
January 16, 2026 at 10:45 PM
Spotted a self-driving car in London tonight! It's mad but also feels so late, I remember learning about the tech in school and expecting them a decade ago
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
Lord Frost made a 12-min speech during the assisted dying debate on his amendment that would change ‘assistance to end their own life’ to ‘medical help to commit suicide by provision of lethal drugs’.
When challenged by Lord Winston, Frost replies he could take 15 mins to laughter in the chamber.
When challenged by Lord Winston, Frost replies he could take 15 mins to laughter in the chamber.
January 16, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Lord Frost made a 12-min speech during the assisted dying debate on his amendment that would change ‘assistance to end their own life’ to ‘medical help to commit suicide by provision of lethal drugs’.
When challenged by Lord Winston, Frost replies he could take 15 mins to laughter in the chamber.
When challenged by Lord Winston, Frost replies he could take 15 mins to laughter in the chamber.
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
Peers spent nearly an hour debating a group of probing amendments from Lord Frost that would change the wording of ‘assistance to end their own life’ in the Bill to ‘medical help to commit suicide by provision of lethal drugs’. www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/2026/01/16/a...
Assisted Dying filibuster continues despite consensus to return Bill to Commons - My Death, My Decision
Peers spent 53 minutes debating a group of probing amendments from Lord Frost that would change the wording of ‘assistance to end their own life’ in the Bill to ‘medical help to commit suicide by prov...
www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk
January 16, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Peers spent nearly an hour debating a group of probing amendments from Lord Frost that would change the wording of ‘assistance to end their own life’ in the Bill to ‘medical help to commit suicide by provision of lethal drugs’. www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/2026/01/16/a...
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
It's had 100+ hours of scrutiny in the Commons.
Now, even Peers who oppose assisted dying are warning that blocking the Terminally Ill Adults Bill through delay damages the reputation of the House of Lords itself. Let Parliament decide.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @stephenmcnair.bsky.social
Now, even Peers who oppose assisted dying are warning that blocking the Terminally Ill Adults Bill through delay damages the reputation of the House of Lords itself. Let Parliament decide.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @stephenmcnair.bsky.social
Should seven people be able to block a popular law?
After an unprecedented degree of parliamentary scrutiny, the Terminally Ill Adults bill now risks defeat by just seven unelected peers
eastangliabylines.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 7:07 PM
It's had 100+ hours of scrutiny in the Commons.
Now, even Peers who oppose assisted dying are warning that blocking the Terminally Ill Adults Bill through delay damages the reputation of the House of Lords itself. Let Parliament decide.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @stephenmcnair.bsky.social
Now, even Peers who oppose assisted dying are warning that blocking the Terminally Ill Adults Bill through delay damages the reputation of the House of Lords itself. Let Parliament decide.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @stephenmcnair.bsky.social
Is it just me, or are members of the House of Lords now speaking deliberately slowly in the assisted dying debate?
It feels really off? Am I going mad?
It feels really off? Am I going mad?
January 16, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Is it just me, or are members of the House of Lords now speaking deliberately slowly in the assisted dying debate?
It feels really off? Am I going mad?
It feels really off? Am I going mad?
In the BMJ today:
"Still, the Lords Select Committee did not invite any evidence from terminally ill people. The omission of the patient voice in these discussions contradicts the essence of the bill, which seeks to safeguard the autonomy of dying patients."
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
"Still, the Lords Select Committee did not invite any evidence from terminally ill people. The omission of the patient voice in these discussions contradicts the essence of the bill, which seeks to safeguard the autonomy of dying patients."
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
www.bmj.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:58 PM
In the BMJ today:
"Still, the Lords Select Committee did not invite any evidence from terminally ill people. The omission of the patient voice in these discussions contradicts the essence of the bill, which seeks to safeguard the autonomy of dying patients."
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
"Still, the Lords Select Committee did not invite any evidence from terminally ill people. The omission of the patient voice in these discussions contradicts the essence of the bill, which seeks to safeguard the autonomy of dying patients."
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
Fine tribute here from @andrewcopson.bsky.social @humanists.uk to the pioneer campaigner Diane Munday, who has died aged 94. A truly courageous feminist who fought for abortion rights & assisted dying over many years. I admired her so much. humanists.uk/2026/01/11/h...
Humanists UK mourns Diane Munday, leading campaigner for the Abortion Act (1931-2026)
Humanists UK is deeply saddened to announce the death of its patron, Diane Munday, who dedicated her life to social reform, most notably as the principal leader of the campaign for the Abortion Act 19...
humanists.uk
January 11, 2026 at 10:48 AM
Fine tribute here from @andrewcopson.bsky.social @humanists.uk to the pioneer campaigner Diane Munday, who has died aged 94. A truly courageous feminist who fought for abortion rights & assisted dying over many years. I admired her so much. humanists.uk/2026/01/11/h...
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
5000 legal humanist weddings in Northern Ireland. What a milestone and it's great to read what it has meant to the 5000th couple! It was a long legal battle for us and the fact that it has made such a difference in so many lives is moving. Now for England and Wales! humanists.uk/2026/01/13/n...
NI Humanists celebrates 5,000th legally recognised humanist marriage
Northern Ireland Humanists is today celebrating the milestone of 5,000 legally recognised humanist marriages since their introduction in Northern Ireland in 2018. Official figures provided by the Nort...
humanists.uk
January 13, 2026 at 11:20 AM
5000 legal humanist weddings in Northern Ireland. What a milestone and it's great to read what it has meant to the 5000th couple! It was a long legal battle for us and the fact that it has made such a difference in so many lives is moving. Now for England and Wales! humanists.uk/2026/01/13/n...
For terminally ill people, if that cost results in a safe, compassionate choice at the end of life, it’s worth every penny
But peers have tabled a disproportionate volume of amendments, and debate has proceeded at a glacial pace - That's what's driving up costs
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
But peers have tabled a disproportionate volume of amendments, and debate has proceeded at a glacial pace - That's what's driving up costs
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Assisted dying bill debate could cost taxpayers almost £2m
Campaigners say if the debate results in a ‘safe, compassionate choice at the end of life’ then it will be ‘worth every penny’
www.independent.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 10:02 AM
For terminally ill people, if that cost results in a safe, compassionate choice at the end of life, it’s worth every penny
But peers have tabled a disproportionate volume of amendments, and debate has proceeded at a glacial pace - That's what's driving up costs
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
But peers have tabled a disproportionate volume of amendments, and debate has proceeded at a glacial pace - That's what's driving up costs
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Louise says she's relieved the Lords have voted for more time: "The Bill will allow people to live what is left of their lives without terror or anxiety regarding what their death will look like for them and their loved ones."
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
House of Lords gives Assisted Dying bill update after 'time wasting' accusations
The House of Lords agreed to give more time to consider the Assisted Dying legislation after being warned they were damaging their reputation and could make the bill fail.
www.mirror.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Louise says she's relieved the Lords have voted for more time: "The Bill will allow people to live what is left of their lives without terror or anxiety regarding what their death will look like for them and their loved ones."
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
Louise says she's relieved the Lords have voted for more time: "The Bill will allow people to live what is left of their lives without terror or anxiety regarding what their death will look like for them and their loved ones."
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
House of Lords gives Assisted Dying bill update after 'time wasting' accusations
The House of Lords agreed to give more time to consider the Assisted Dying legislation after being warned they were damaging their reputation and could make the bill fail.
www.mirror.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Louise says she's relieved the Lords have voted for more time: "The Bill will allow people to live what is left of their lives without terror or anxiety regarding what their death will look like for them and their loved ones."
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
🚨 Breaking: The House of Lords has voted for a motion in support of more time for the Assisted Dying Bill.
The fate of the Bill was in jeopardy after over 1,100 amendments were put forward, and the debate progressed at a glacial pace.
www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/2026/01/08/h...
The fate of the Bill was in jeopardy after over 1,100 amendments were put forward, and the debate progressed at a glacial pace.
www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/2026/01/08/h...
House of Lords backs extra time for assisted dying debate - My Death, My Decision
Peers have voted for a motion in support of more time for the Assisted Dying Bill to pass through the House of Lords. The fate of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which successfully passe...
www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk
January 8, 2026 at 7:08 PM
🚨 Breaking: The House of Lords has voted for a motion in support of more time for the Assisted Dying Bill.
The fate of the Bill was in jeopardy after over 1,100 amendments were put forward, and the debate progressed at a glacial pace.
www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/2026/01/08/h...
The fate of the Bill was in jeopardy after over 1,100 amendments were put forward, and the debate progressed at a glacial pace.
www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/2026/01/08/h...
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
Baroness Jay of Paddington says she's been involved in assisted dying debates for decades and that, usually, they have improved the reputation of the House of Lords.
She says this debate is different and is causing the Lords to be heavily criticised.
She says this debate is different and is causing the Lords to be heavily criticised.
January 8, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Baroness Jay of Paddington says she's been involved in assisted dying debates for decades and that, usually, they have improved the reputation of the House of Lords.
She says this debate is different and is causing the Lords to be heavily criticised.
She says this debate is different and is causing the Lords to be heavily criticised.
Gentle reminder that amendments to the assisted dying bill have included a pregnancy test for all applicants including men, a holiday ban and mandatory, in-person, public court appearance for the terminally ill.
Hardly 'necessary scrutiny'.
Hardly 'necessary scrutiny'.
NEW: Four senior lords have urged peers to allow more time for the assisted dying bill - including Baroness Butler-Sloss who opposes it.
Motion on to be debated tomorrow.
Supporters say bill is running out of time. Opponents say 1000+ amendments are necessary scrutiny.
www.itv.com/news/2026-01...
Motion on to be debated tomorrow.
Supporters say bill is running out of time. Opponents say 1000+ amendments are necessary scrutiny.
www.itv.com/news/2026-01...
www.itv.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Gentle reminder that amendments to the assisted dying bill have included a pregnancy test for all applicants including men, a holiday ban and mandatory, in-person, public court appearance for the terminally ill.
Hardly 'necessary scrutiny'.
Hardly 'necessary scrutiny'.
Reposted by Nathan Stilwell
The idea that London has become less safe in recent years is quite strange - just look at how once "dangerous" areas have been transformed in recent years. Gentrification comes with its own issues but streets are packed with visitors and city far more welcoming than when I moved here a decade ago.
January 7, 2026 at 10:29 AM
The idea that London has become less safe in recent years is quite strange - just look at how once "dangerous" areas have been transformed in recent years. Gentrification comes with its own issues but streets are packed with visitors and city far more welcoming than when I moved here a decade ago.