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The UK’s longest-serving MPs, Labour’s Diane Abbott and Conservative Sir Edward Leigh, have joined forces to oppose the upcoming assisted dying bill that is set to be debated in Parliament. In a joint article for the Guardian, the politicians wrote that although their views couldn’t be more different, they both share concerns that the legislation could put vulnerable minorities at risk. They also believe that the process of bringing the bill to Parliament is being rushed, and scrutiny of the contents is being limited.
The bill, proposed by backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, aims to allow people who are expected to die within six months the right to choose to end their own life. Leadbeater argues that it would help prevent very harrowing deaths and that the bill includes the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world. However, Abbortt and Sir Edward maintain that such people are the most likely to assume an assisted death against their will and not access the support they require.
Abbott and Sir Edward both hold the titles of Mother and Father of the House, respectively, and between them have nearly 80 years of parliamentary experience. The MPs also noted that the bill’s timetable is inadequate, stating that in 2015, MPs had seven weeks to read similar legislation before debating it, whereas Leadbeater’s bill was published just 18 days prior. Additionally, they point out that parliament will have only sat for 12 weeks by the time MPs vote on the bill, which is a matter of life and death.
Private members’ bills are proposed by backbenchers instead of the government and receive a free vote. If the assisted dying bill passes its first vote in Parliament, it will face further scrutiny from MPs and peers. Ultimately, the bill would need approval from both the House of Commons and House of Lords to become law. Despite these hurdles, the former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman has expressed confidence that the bill will get as many days as necessary to be thoroughly debated and considered
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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