MPs make last-minute move to stop assisted dying law from passing
A group of MPs wants to block the assisted-dying law vote scheduled for this week. They say such an important decision needs more time and proper review instead of quick approval
A cross-party group of MPs has made a last-ditch effort to block the assisted dying Bill thats coming up for vote this friday. Kim Leadbeater from Labour proposed the bill but Ben Spencer‚ Munira Wilson and Anna Dixon created a special amendment to stop it moving forward
The amendment points out that Private Members Bills dont have enough time for proper review of such life-changing laws: MPs need more info about palliative care and legal issues before making big decisions. Dr Spencer thinks its being pushed too fast – “we need to do the groundwork first“ he says
Irrespective of ones view on the rights and wrongs of assisted dying legislation this area should be scrutinised and debated properly prior to a vote in Parliament
Former top judge Lord Thomas raised worries about court system problems. He explained that judges would need special help to make these decisions; its not just rubber-stamping. The proposed law would let terminally-ill people end their lives if two doctors and a judge agree
- 62% of people think the issue is too complex for quick MP decisions
- Almost 4 in 10 worry it might make sick people feel pressured
- Some MPs say the vote could be super-close like Brexit was
The bills supporters say theyʼve got enough votes to win but its opponents think its knife-edge close (with surveys showing a nation split on this life-or-death topic)
