Cross-party MP group tables amendment to halt assisted dying bill

The assisted dying bill could be stopped from progressing through Parliament after a cross-party group of MPs have tabled an amendment to halt it. 

The group are calling for an independent review ahead of this issue returning to parliament.  

The amendment follows concerns that the legal and practical complexities of legalising assisted dying need to be given further detailed consideration before parliament votes on it. 

The MPs believe that more time will allow for proper public consultation, and expert examination of issues such as capacity, coercion, and informed consent. 

The MPs have also called for an independent review of palliative care for terminally ill adults across the UK 

Labour MP Anna Dixon, Conservative MP Ben Spencer and Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson have co-sponsored an amendment that would prevent the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill from being given a Second Reading in the House of Commons.  

Members of Parliament are scheduled to vote on Kim Leadbeater's Private Members' Bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults this Friday. 

The amendment reads: “That this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill because the House’s procedures for the consideration of Private Members’ Bills do not allow for sufficient debate on and scrutiny of a Bill on a matter of this importance; recognises the importance of having a fully-informed debate and vote on assisted dying, which should be subsequent to an independent review of and public consultation on the existing law and proposals for change; and considers that the review and consultation should be informed by an independent assessment of the provision of palliative care for adults who are terminally ill.” 

Anna Dixon, Labour MP for Shipley constituency, said: “As a new parliamentarian I want to make sure that my decision is based on a thorough analysis of the legal and practical implications.  

“Despite the efforts of the proposer of the Private Members Bill to give opportunity for parliamentarians to engage with the subject, there remain many unanswered questions about the detail and complexity of implementation.  

“That is why I am calling for an independent review similar to a Royal Commission or Law Commission to provide an in-depth assessment and proposals before this is voted on in parliament.  

“It is also vital that there is public consultation on the detail of the Bill rather than relying on simple polling data.  

“It is clear from other jurisdictions that high quality and universal access to palliative and end of life care is a necessary prerequisite to ensure that people who are terminally ill regardless of their circumstances or identity can make a free and informed decision.  

“I hope other MPs who want to make an evidence based decision will support this amendment.” 

Dr Spencer, Conservative MP for Runnymede and Weybridge, said: “Irrespective of one’s view on the rights and wrongs of assisted dying legislation, this area should be scrutinised and debated properly prior to a vote in Parliament. 

“There have been concerns raised from a range of professionals, including judges and medics, around the provisions of the Bill and that this is being rushed through.” 

“This amendment calls for the groundwork to be done first, including legal review, consultation and assessment of palliative care provision, so that Parliament can have a properly-informed debate and vote on assisted dying.” 

Munira Wilson, Lib Dem MP for Twickenham, continued: “It’s absolutely right that Parliament should debate and consider proposals to legalise assisted dying in certain cases – on grounds of compassion and personal autonomy. 

“However, the speed with which this Bill has been brought forward without any pre-legislative scrutiny and consultation, and given the limited time for debate and proper scrutiny through the Private Members’ Bill process, means parliamentarians are having to take a monumental decision in a totally inadequate way. 

“There are still huge questions to be answered around how the proposals would be implemented in an overstretched NHS and court system, the inequalities it could create and the legal challenges that would likely result from the legislation as it is drawn up.” 

If the amendment is selected, it will be voted on during the second reading of the assisted dying Bill on Friday, prior to the vote on the Bill itself. If the amendment receives majority support from Members of Parliament, it will prevent the Bill from moving forward to a vote.