MPs will be starting the debate on the assisted dying bill, officially known as the terminally ill adults (end of life) bill, at 9:30 am. The vote is scheduled for 2:30 pm. The bill is being presented by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who is open to toughening the wording of the bill to protect people with learning disabilities. She has cited examples of terminally ill individuals who support the bill and want the option of assisted dying.
Leadbeater has also highlighted the need for better palliative care, as outlined in the bill, and the safeguards it includes. Concerns about coercion and the ability of doctors to prevent it have been raised by other MPs during the debate. Leadbeater has shared heartbreaking stories of individuals who have suffered agonizing deaths and how the current law does not provide them with a compassionate option.
There are differing views within parliament on the bill, and the Prime Minister’s stance on it remains uncertain. Keir Starmer, who has previously supported assisted dying legislation, has not taken a public stance on the current bill. The debate is expected to last most of the day, with the vote taking place in the afternoon.
The resignation of Louise Haigh as Transport Secretary has also been a topic of discussion, with some Labour figures paying tribute to her on social media. Haigh’s resignation may have been influenced by previous controversies, including her condemnation of DP World, the parent company of P&O Ferries, before a government conference. Overall, the assisted dying bill debate continues to stir up emotions and differing opinions within parliament.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
