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Kate Whannel, a political reporter, has shared that Kim Leadbeater, the MP championing the assisted dying bill, expressed her confidence that MPs would ultimately support the legislation in its final stage at the House of Commons on Friday. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which permits terminally ill adults to receive medical assistance to end their lives, will face further scrutiny in the House of Lords if approved or otherwise end its journey towards becoming law if not supported on Friday, marking a crucial moment for this significant legislation. Back in November, 330 MPs voted in favor of the proposal, while 275 opposed it, signaling initial approval despite escalating debates surrounding the bill.
Despite previous endorsements, a significant shift has been noted in the support for the bill, with at least a dozen MPs who were initially in favor now indicating opposition. Recently, four Labour MPs, Markus Campbell-Savours, Kanishka Narayan, Paul Foster, and Jonathan Hinder, have joined the opposing side, citing concerns over the bill’s perceived weakening since the previous vote held last year. Leadbeater has defended the legislation, hailing it as “the most robust piece of legislation in the world,” emphasizing the need for adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure their well-being.
Critics have raised complaints regarding the perceived lack of scrutiny devoted to the bill, prompting 50 Labour MPs to call for more debate time earlier this week. Leadbeater, however, has refuted claims of hastiness, asserting that the bill has undergone extensive scrutiny since its inception in November. As a matter of conscience, MPs will be granted a free vote, granting them the liberty to vote based on personal beliefs rather than party directives. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a previous supporter of the bill, has reiterated his backing for the legislation, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch announced her intent to vote against it, cautioning against the bill’s readiness for implementation within NHS services.
Leadbeater’s bill presents a framework wherein terminally ill individuals over 18, residing in England or Wales, and under a GP’s care for at least 12 months could choose to end their lives if deemed eligible by meeting specific criteria. Amendments to the original bill have been made, including the establishment of a three-person review panel comprising a legal expert, a psychiatrist, and a social worker, in place of a High Court judge, to evaluate end-of-life requests. Additional changes encompass an extension of the maximum time allowed for the bill to transition into law from two to four years, enabling healthcare personnel to opt-out of the process, and enforcing a ban on the promotion of assisted dying services. The bill’s journey towards legal status rests upon approval from both MPs and peers in the House of Lords
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