Speaker kicks off assisted dying bill debate

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Transcript

00:00Before I begin proceedings, I would like to say a few words to help manage expectations

00:12about business today. More than 160 Members have indicated that they wish to speak in

00:20the first debate. It is not customary to impose a speech limit on private Members' Bills,

00:27but I hope Speakers after both the Member in charge of the Bill and the Speaker after

00:32that will restrict themselves to about eight minutes in the first instance, and that includes

00:37taking interventions. The Chair will review the guidance as the debate progresses, and

00:43may need to ask for shorter speeches to enable more Members to contribute. I should make

00:49it clear that the Chair returns the right to impose a formal speech limit, but I would

00:55rather colleagues help each other. At about 2pm, I will call Front Benchers to make their

01:01comments, and then we will move to end the debate. I have to manage the expectation that

01:08not everyone will get in. I will try to get as many people as possible. It is one of the

01:16most important debates this House has had, so it is about being considerate and respectful

01:21of each other. Let us listen to each other. This is the time for the House to show itself

01:27at its best.