Timeline for implementation in England and Wales likely to be pushed back to 2029, meaning it may coincide with general election

The introduction of assisted dying in England and Wales is likely to be pushed back by a further two years in a delay that supportive MPs fear could mean the change of law is never realised.

The deferral was proposed by Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP piloting the assisted dying bill through parliament. It means the initial timeline of two years for implementing the law will now stretch to four.