Former top coroner raises red flags about new assisted dying proposal

In a thought-provoking report Thomas Teague KC‚ England and Wales ex-chief coroner points out serious issues with the proposed assisted-dying law. The bill which MPs will vote on nov 29th‚ includes what Teague calls weak safety rules that might not work as planned

The legislation (which needs two doctors and a judges approval) could open up wider than intended: legal experts think its scope might grow due to britains ties with European human-rights laws. The Policy Exchange think-tank report got support from well-known figures like Lord Sumption and Dominic Grieve; they share worries about future changes

Looking at real-world examples‚ Canada shows how such laws can grow over time — starting with terminal illness rules in 16‚ expanding to disabled persons in 21‚ and planning to include mental-health cases by 27. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson says its a big risk for disabled peoples rights

Many of the safeguards promised by its supporters amount to nothing more than arbitrary restrictions

The governments staying neutral on this free-vote issue but some ministers dont hide their views. Wes Streeting health secretary worries about NHS costs while Shabana Mahmood justice secretary opposes it based on life-value beliefs. Kim Leadbeater who brought the bill forward says its got super-strict rules‚ but others arent so sure

• Lord Sumption thinks strong feelings lead to unclear thinking
• Baroness ONeil former equality commission head backs the reports findings
• The PM hasnt made up his mind yet
• Cabinet members seem split on the topic

The bills future remains unclear with many MPs still thinking about how theyll vote — its a choice thats making everyone think hard about where to draw the line