Labour MPs Seek Delay on Assisted Dying Bill Amid Local Election Campaigning
Concerns arise over the timing of a crucial vote on assisted dying legislation, potentially conflicting with local elections.
A group of Labour MPs in the UK is advocating for a postponement of the upcoming vote on the amended assisted dying bill, scheduled for 25 April.
Their request stems from concerns that the vote will coincide with the final week of campaigning for local elections on 1 May, particularly in constituencies where Labour is traditionally weaker.
The proposed legislation, aimed at legalizing assisted dying in England and Wales, is set to return to the House of Commons for debate and a potential vote on its amendments.
The bill comes after thorough scrutiny during the committee stage and follows significant public interest and parliamentary discourse over the matter.
Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, emphasized the need for parliamentary focus on the topic, describing it as "incredibly important and sensitive." He argued that the timing of the vote, occurring days before local elections, would not do justice to the seriousness of the issue at hand.
Within the Labour party, there is a split over the bill, with some MPs opposing it on various grounds.
A source close to the MPs has criticized the ongoing support for the bill, suggesting that many Labour colleagues should prioritize addressing immediate challenges faced by the party ahead of the elections.
The proposed amendments to the bill include establishing a multidisciplinary panel to evaluate assisted dying applications, as opposed to high court judges.
In addition, it mandates that the Secretary of State in England and relevant ministers in Wales ensure the provision of voluntary assisted dying services.
Recent correspondence among dissenting MPs, including notable figures such as select committee chairs Meg Hillier and Florence Eshalomi, branded the bill as "irredeemably flawed" and unsuitable for enactment.
They expressed dissatisfaction, stating that assurances to strengthen the bill during its committee stage were not upheld.
Conversely, Kim Leadbeater, the sponsor of the bill, maintains that the committee has crafted one of the most comprehensive assisted dying legislations globally, claiming enhancements to its safety and robustness.
As the date for the Commons debate approaches, the divide within the Labour party over the assisted dying bill highlights broader tensions as the party prepares for significant local elections amid a challenging political landscape.
Their request stems from concerns that the vote will coincide with the final week of campaigning for local elections on 1 May, particularly in constituencies where Labour is traditionally weaker.
The proposed legislation, aimed at legalizing assisted dying in England and Wales, is set to return to the House of Commons for debate and a potential vote on its amendments.
The bill comes after thorough scrutiny during the committee stage and follows significant public interest and parliamentary discourse over the matter.
Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, emphasized the need for parliamentary focus on the topic, describing it as "incredibly important and sensitive." He argued that the timing of the vote, occurring days before local elections, would not do justice to the seriousness of the issue at hand.
Within the Labour party, there is a split over the bill, with some MPs opposing it on various grounds.
A source close to the MPs has criticized the ongoing support for the bill, suggesting that many Labour colleagues should prioritize addressing immediate challenges faced by the party ahead of the elections.
The proposed amendments to the bill include establishing a multidisciplinary panel to evaluate assisted dying applications, as opposed to high court judges.
In addition, it mandates that the Secretary of State in England and relevant ministers in Wales ensure the provision of voluntary assisted dying services.
Recent correspondence among dissenting MPs, including notable figures such as select committee chairs Meg Hillier and Florence Eshalomi, branded the bill as "irredeemably flawed" and unsuitable for enactment.
They expressed dissatisfaction, stating that assurances to strengthen the bill during its committee stage were not upheld.
Conversely, Kim Leadbeater, the sponsor of the bill, maintains that the committee has crafted one of the most comprehensive assisted dying legislations globally, claiming enhancements to its safety and robustness.
As the date for the Commons debate approaches, the divide within the Labour party over the assisted dying bill highlights broader tensions as the party prepares for significant local elections amid a challenging political landscape.
