The government has raised concerns regarding the timeline for the implementation of assisted dying, according to sources at the BBC. Measures have been proposed to postpone the availability of assisted dying, with Labour MP Kim Leadbeater expressing disappointment in having to delay the enforcement until 2029. Some Members of Parliament have noted their concerns about the alignment of this timeline with the upcoming general election year.
Leadbeater has been receiving advice from officials and civil servants regarding amendments to the bill, including recommendations for changes requested by the government. A spokesperson for Leadbeater stated that she is hopeful that the service can be established more efficiently if the bill becomes law later this year. The extension of the deadline is partly attributed to the need to allow time for the setup of training and systems for a completely new service.
An amendment proposed by Leadbeater has extended the maximum implementation period from two years to four years, with the possibility of proceeding with assisted dying earlier if all systems are ready before the given deadline. Some ministers within the government are reportedly divided on the decision to delay implementation, with differing opinions on whether it is the right course of action. Despite the government officially maintaining a neutral stance on the bill, many ministers are in support of it.
During discussions at the committee scrutinizing the bill, Leadbeater expressed her disappointment at the extension of the commencement period but clarified that there is a four-year backstop in place that still allows for earlier implementation if all prerequisites are met. Members of Parliament on both sides of the debate have expressed disappointment with the delay in implementation. Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon, who supports the bill, highlighted that other countries have managed to implement similar laws in a shorter time frame, emphasizing that the current law is failing terminally ill individuals. Conversely, Labour MP Jess Asato, who opposes the bill, criticized the last-minute adjustments to the legislation, affirming that imposing a strict timeline on such a complex issue was not a prudent approach
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