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The assisted dying bill, which would allow people in England and Wales in certain situations to choose to end their own lives, will be reviewed line-by-line by a committee made up of 14 supporters, nine opponents, and senior voices from either side of the debate. The committee will make suggestions and amendments before the bill can proceed further. Leadbeater, the Labour MP who introduced the bill, stated that the committee has the right balance and experience to perform a detailed examination of the bill.
Two ministers, Health Minister Stephen Kinnock and Justice Minister Sarah Sackman, are part of the group, double the usual number. Leadbeater stated that these ministers’ attendance on the committee shows the high level of engagement and dedication the bill deserves. Gender and ethnic representation was also taken into account when selecting members.
Opponents of the bill, who were deemed too disorganised at the last vote, have hired former government special advisers to try and “professionalise” their campaigns, and believe that some MPs who supported the bill initially could be persuaded to change their minds. However, supporters believe that the majority of 55 in favour at the last vote was more than anticipated, and they are confident that the bill will progress through remaining stages in Parliament.
The assisted dying bill will remain in committee for several weeks from the second half of January, during which time public hearings with experts will be held to provide further evidence before proposing amendments. The committee hopes to complete this process in time to return the bill to the House of Commons by 25 April. At that point, all MPs will have a chance to debate and vote on the changes proposed by the committee. The committee comprises several health workers, such as Labour MP and GP Dr Simon Opher and former surgeon and medical barrister turned Tory MP Neil Shastri-Hurst. Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville-Roberts has stated that she will reconsider her support if the bill’s robustness is not increased
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