For a second time now the government has recognised the vulnerability of assisted suicide laws to challenges under Article 14 ECHR. Even without the amendment discussed here, the bill discriminates on grounds of illness and disability; the prospect of legal challenge is real.

The Committee was assured when it heard evidence that the assisted suicide bill wouldn't be challenged on Article 14 ECHR grounds because of the wide "margin of appreciation" afforded by Strasbourg. Yet now the government is opposing amendments on the ground they could lead to Article 14 challenges.