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New Statesman
16-05-2025
- Health
- New Statesman
The assisted dying debate takes a sour turn
`illustration by Getty If there was a single moment that encapsulated the latest stage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, it was surely when MPs cleared the lobby to vote – not on any of the amendments that had been argued about over the gruelling four and a half hours, but on whether or not to vote on them at all. In this great act of meta-democracy, MPs determined that they would in fact proceed to a vote. By then, there was time to consider just two amendments.. The mood on this sunny Westminster Friday could not have been more different from when MPs voted on the second reading of Kim Leadbeater's Private Member's Bill on assisted dying back in November. Back then, the question was a matter of principle, and the atmosphere was one of gracious respect and emotive compassion. MPs chose to progress the legislation by 330 votes to 275 – many of them, to quote the words of Liberal Democrat Layla Moran, on the basis that they 'want to keep talking about the issues'. Today was about hammering out the details. Although, as quickly became apparent, those details are far from being hammered out. The bill's passage through committee stage has been contentious, marred by accusations on everything from the ideological make-up of the committee to the witnesses called to the nature of the amendments accepted – about 150, out of over 500 proposed. Committee members, most notably the Labour MP Naz Shah, have openly voiced their misgivings on procedural grounds. That was the main thrust of today's debate. 'This process is flawed, fundamentally flawed,' a visibly furious Shah told the House, to the loudest chorus of affirmative here-heres of the day. 'This is not how we make legislation.' The practicalities were debated, of course. On the agenda today were amendments regarding provision (or not) for patients suffering from eating disorders, how the decision-making process would work in relation to the mental capacity act, whether to allow doctors to bring up assisted dying with terminally ill patients who have not mentioned it themselves, and how to identify and prevent situations of coercive control. Florence Eshalomi, one of the most powerful speakers during first reading, gave another passionate warning regarding the potential impact on minority communities who are already fearful of the medical establishment. Mother of the House Diane Abbott nodded along. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, while neutral on the principle, said this week that it could not support the legislation in its current form. This intervention was repeatedly cited today. So too was the controversial decision to remove the safeguard of sign-off from a High Court judge in favour of a panel of experts. It was argued that the version of the bill currently before MPs was weaker rather than safer than November's. But if the motif running through the second reading debate was of MPs putting aside party differences to examine the philosophical, ethical and legal issues. Today the frequent refrain of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker was: 'We are very short of time'. MPs were first requested to keep their contributions to under 15 minutes; as the hours ticked on, this was shortened to five. Again and again speakers declined to take points of order, on the basis that they had no time. The vast majority of MPs wishing to speak were denied the opportunity. In November Kieran Mullan said in his closing remarks for the opposition that the debate had represented 'this House at the very best'. He was challenged in his statement today as to whether he still believed that. His reflection that 'We are where we are' sums up the feelings of many exhausted MPs. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Perhaps the sourness of today's performance reflects the messy reality of legislating on literal issues of life and death. There are those on both sides of the chamber who believe a private members bill was the wrong vehicle for a question of this gravity – equally, others believe the government could have done more to smooth the bill's passage. But there is also a view that, whatever the process, there was always going to come a crunch point when lofty sentiments about democratic debate dissolved into the inevitable tug-of-war between opposing camps. Time was always going to run out at some point. No one likes to see how the sausage gets made. In the end, only two amendments were voted on: the first, put forward by Leadbeater herself, regarding guarantees that doctors would not be forced to provide assisted dying, and the second, put forward by opponent of the bill Rebecca Paul, on extending this protection to institutions wanting to opt out. The former passed; the latter – considered the clearest indication from today about the bill's future – failed by majority of 279 to 243. When it comes back before the House on 13 June, it looks likely there will still be a majority of MPs in favour. [See more: Keir Starmer can rewrite the history of Brexit] Related
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Esther Rantzen's daughter makes final desperate plea - 'Give mum peace of mind'
Dame Esther Rantzen has been at the forefront of the assisted dying debate since revealing her own terminal cancer diagnosis in 2023 Dame Esther Rantzen's daughter has begged MPs to give her dying mother 'peace of mind' as they prepare to vote on the assisted dying bill later today. Rebecca Wilcox, 45, said her 84-year-old mother, who has stage four lung cancer, will be watching and is 'hopeful' the new law will be passed. MPs will debate the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - spearheaded by Labour's Kim Leadbeater - for the first time since November's yes vote. If it becomes law, it will allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales - with fewer than six months left to live - to apply for an assisted death. In late 2023, Dame Esther revealed her terminal cancer diagnosis and expressed her wish to end her own life at Swiss assisted dying clinic Dignitas - where the practice is legal - if things got too much. A message reportedly sent to MPs by Dame Esther ahead of today's debate said that changing the law would allow terminally ill people like her 'not to shorten their lives, but shorten their deaths'. She has since been taking what her family described as a 'wonder drug'. But her daughter shared the drug has now appeared to have stopped working and Dame Esther is too unwell to travel. Though the law will be passed 'too late' for her own mum to end her life legally should she want to, her family are hopeful 'she may have enabled it to happen for other people'. READ MORE: Esther Rantzen's husband whispered final two-word statement to her before dying Rebecca told the Express: "She's going to be watching the debate and is very interested to see how it turns out, and hopeful. Mum has been indomitable her whole life, this shouldn't have to be her campaign. She should have peace of mind, she should know that whatever happens, she has a choice at the end of her life. That is not going to happen for her. The only bright spot in that for us is that she may have enabled it to happen for other people. And I'm going to keep going for as long as it takes." The TV host, who is a broadcaster like her mother and regularly appears on shows like Watchdog, admitted she was 'living in a place of absolute denial' about her mother's illness, but said she found comfort that 'something good' could still come from all of their campaigning. Praising her mother's previous work with various charities and setting up children's helpline Childline, Rebecca said her mum's legacy was 'already clad in platinum', but helping to legalise assisted dying would be 'another diamond on top of it.' She added: "She has never stopped working for people she feels need to be listened to and voices that need to be heard. This is a brilliant campaign. I can't describe the bravery and strength, power and beauty of the people that I have met, who have lost loved ones or who are facing a terminal diagnosis themselves. Their strength and courage — if we can bring a voice to that then we have done our job." As the historic vote takes place today, campaigners for and against assisted dying are expected to be watching the debate from the public gallery of the House of Commons. Among them will be Louise Shackleton, who took her husband Anthony, 59, who had motor neurone disease, to Diginitas in Switzerland to die in December. Louise, 58, from North Yorkshire, is now being investigated by the police. Explaining her stance on it, told The Mirror: "We as human beings need to treat humans as well as we treat animals. If I was to have kept a dog the way that I was going to be expected to keep my husband, I would have been arrested, I would be prosecuted, I would be put in prison and I would be banned from keeping an animal again. But yet my husband was expected to suffer more than any other animal." Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who voted in favour of assisted dying during the first Commons vote last year, signalled he still backed a change in the law. It is thought he will vote that way again after he said: "From my own experience in this field - I dealt with it when I was the chief prosecutor - is that I do understand there are different views, strongly held views on both sides that have to be respected. My views have been consistent throughout."
The Herald Scotland
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
MP behind assisted dying Bill defends it as medical body adds voice of concern
Its statement follows one earlier this week from the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych), which said it has 'serious concerns' and cannot support the Bill in its current form. MPs in the House of Commons will have a further debate on Friday (Stefan Rousseau/PA) That statement was branded by one opponent of the Bill as a 'blow to its foundations'. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP behind the Bill, said it was coming back 'even stronger' when it returns to the House of Commons on Friday for the first time since a historic yes vote in November. She said the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which relates to England and Wales, goes 'further than any other around the world in its safeguards, oversight and regulation' and that the Government's impact assessment has confirmed this. 'The law as it stands is not working for dying people or their loved ones; that much is clear,' Ms Leadbeater wrote in The Mirror. 'A majority of MPs recognised this when they backed my Bill in November. 'When they come to debate it once again today, they can be confident that it returns even stronger.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who voted for the Bill last year, has indicated he remains supportive of the proposed legislation and that it has 'sufficient time' in Parliament amid claims from some it is being rushed through. In a boost for the Bill, new Reform MP Sarah Pochin has confirmed she will support it. Mike Amesbury, who she replaced in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency earlier this month, had voted no last year. Reports speculating on the numbers of MPs who had supported the Bill last year but are now considering voting against it have been dismissed by the Bill's backers who reject the idea the proposed legislation is at risk of collapse. But the RCPsych statement prompted MPs, some with medical and clinical backgrounds, who back the Bill, to urge their colleagues in Parliament to support it. A statement, signed by supportive MPs including doctors Neil Shastri-Hurst, Simon Opher and Peter Prinsley, insisted 'most healthcare professionals understand that the current law is not working', that it 'criminalises compassion', places clinicians 'in an impossible position' and cannot be tolerated or defended. In their position statement on Thursday, the RCP said despite changes to the Bill in recent months which supporters argue have strengthened it, the college believes 'there currently remain deficiencies that would need addressing to achieve adequate protection of patients and professionals'. It said there are 'key factors' which must be in place should assisted dying be legalised. These include decisions around a patient's prognosis to be informed by 'expert clinical professionals including those who know the patient', decisions on capacity, and safeguards around coercion to be informed by face-to-face assessments of 'relevant and appropriately skilled health and care professionals', regulations of medicines and a guarantee resources will not be diverted from other end-of-life care. Their concerns follow those from RCPsych which said it has 'unanswered questions' about the safeguarding of people with mental illness, and warned of a shortage of consultant psychiatrists to meet the demands of the Bill. Both colleges said they remain neutral on the principle of assisted dying. The RCP's clinical vice president, Dr John Dean, said: 'The ultimate decision on assisted dying rests with society through Parliament, but professional and clinical issues are integral to legislation, regulation, guidance and safe and effective implementation. 'Our members and fellows who we represent have a wide range of views on assisted dying. While the RCP neither supports or opposes a change in the law on this matter, the Bill in its current form has concerning deficiencies. 'Notably, the proposed mechanisms of decision making are not in line with good clinical and professional practice. Further statutory guidance is also required to ensure effective regulation of drugs, providers, and the involvement of clinicians. 'Parliament must address these critical issues in the legislation or risk failing to protect vulnerable patients and uphold the integrity of clinical practice.' The chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, also told the BBC this week that doctors have 'real concerns about the practical and legal implications of a change in the law on assisted dying', which she said 'must be acknowledged and addressed, so that any legislation is watertight'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer signalled that his support for the assisted dying Bill has not changed (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) Speaking during a visit to Albania, Sir Keir was asked if his views on assisted dying had changed during the passage of the Bill. He told broadcasters: 'My views have been consistent throughout.' In a later interview he reiterated the Government's neutrality on the Bill and said it was facing 'a lot of scrutiny, both inside Parliament and outside Parliament', adding that he was 'satisfied' it had 'sufficient time' in Parliament. Some opponents have claimed proposals are being rushed through as a private member's bill and that it has not had the same level of scrutiny had it been a Government Bill. Dozens of amendments have been tabled and many could be debated and voted on during a five-hour sitting in the Commons on Friday. It is not yet clear whether time will allow for a third reading vote, with the possibility that the report stage could instead run into a second day next month because of the large number of further amendments proposed. As it stands, the Bill would allow only terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death – subject to approval by two doctors and the three-member expert panel featuring a psychiatrist, social worker and senior legal figure. Ms Leadbeater has defended the scrapping of the High Court judge safeguard which has been replaced by the expert panel. She told LBC Radio this was a 'more holistic approach, a more patient-centred approach' and is 'much, much stronger' as a result.
Rhyl Journal
15-05-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
MP behind assisted dying Bill defends it as medical body adds voice of concern
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) said it believes there are 'concerning deficiencies' with the proposed legislation as it stands. Its statement follows one earlier this week from the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych), which said it has 'serious concerns' and cannot support the Bill in its current form. That statement was branded by one opponent of the Bill as a 'blow to its foundations'. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP behind the Bill, said it was coming back 'even stronger' when it returns to the House of Commons on Friday for the first time since a historic yes vote in November. She said the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which relates to England and Wales, goes 'further than any other around the world in its safeguards, oversight and regulation' and that the Government's impact assessment has confirmed this. 'The law as it stands is not working for dying people or their loved ones; that much is clear,' Ms Leadbeater wrote in The Mirror. 'A majority of MPs recognised this when they backed my Bill in November. 'When they come to debate it once again today, they can be confident that it returns even stronger.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who voted for the Bill last year, has indicated he remains supportive of the proposed legislation and that it has 'sufficient time' in Parliament amid claims from some it is being rushed through. In a boost for the Bill, new Reform MP Sarah Pochin has confirmed she will support it. Mike Amesbury, who she replaced in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency earlier this month, had voted no last year. Reports speculating on the numbers of MPs who had supported the Bill last year but are now considering voting against it have been dismissed by the Bill's backers who reject the idea the proposed legislation is at risk of collapse. But the RCPsych statement prompted MPs, some with medical and clinical backgrounds, who back the Bill, to urge their colleagues in Parliament to support it. A statement, signed by supportive MPs including doctors Neil Shastri-Hurst, Simon Opher and Peter Prinsley, insisted 'most healthcare professionals understand that the current law is not working', that it 'criminalises compassion', places clinicians 'in an impossible position' and cannot be tolerated or defended. In their position statement on Thursday, the RCP said despite changes to the Bill in recent months which supporters argue have strengthened it, the college believes 'there currently remain deficiencies that would need addressing to achieve adequate protection of patients and professionals'. It said there are 'key factors' which must be in place should assisted dying be legalised. These include decisions around a patient's prognosis to be informed by 'expert clinical professionals including those who know the patient', decisions on capacity, and safeguards around coercion to be informed by face-to-face assessments of 'relevant and appropriately skilled health and care professionals', regulations of medicines and a guarantee resources will not be diverted from other end-of-life care. Their concerns follow those from RCPsych which said it has 'unanswered questions' about the safeguarding of people with mental illness, and warned of a shortage of consultant psychiatrists to meet the demands of the Bill. Both colleges said they remain neutral on the principle of assisted dying. The RCP's clinical vice president, Dr John Dean, said: 'The ultimate decision on assisted dying rests with society through Parliament, but professional and clinical issues are integral to legislation, regulation, guidance and safe and effective implementation. 'Our members and fellows who we represent have a wide range of views on assisted dying. While the RCP neither supports or opposes a change in the law on this matter, the Bill in its current form has concerning deficiencies. 'Notably, the proposed mechanisms of decision making are not in line with good clinical and professional practice. Further statutory guidance is also required to ensure effective regulation of drugs, providers, and the involvement of clinicians. 'Parliament must address these critical issues in the legislation or risk failing to protect vulnerable patients and uphold the integrity of clinical practice.' The chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, also told the BBC this week that doctors have 'real concerns about the practical and legal implications of a change in the law on assisted dying', which she said 'must be acknowledged and addressed, so that any legislation is watertight'. Speaking during a visit to Albania, Sir Keir was asked if his views on assisted dying had changed during the passage of the Bill. He told broadcasters: 'My views have been consistent throughout.' In a later interview he reiterated the Government's neutrality on the Bill and said it was facing 'a lot of scrutiny, both inside Parliament and outside Parliament', adding that he was 'satisfied' it had 'sufficient time' in Parliament. Some opponents have claimed proposals are being rushed through as a private member's bill and that it has not had the same level of scrutiny had it been a Government Bill. Dozens of amendments have been tabled and many could be debated and voted on during a five-hour sitting in the Commons on Friday. It is not yet clear whether time will allow for a third reading vote, with the possibility that the report stage could instead run into a second day next month because of the large number of further amendments proposed. As it stands, the Bill would allow only terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death – subject to approval by two doctors and the three-member expert panel featuring a psychiatrist, social worker and senior legal figure. Ms Leadbeater has defended the scrapping of the High Court judge safeguard which has been replaced by the expert panel. She told LBC Radio this was a 'more holistic approach, a more patient-centred approach' and is 'much, much stronger' as a result.
Western Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Health
- Western Telegraph
MP behind assisted dying Bill defends it as medical body adds voice of concern
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) said it believes there are 'concerning deficiencies' with the proposed legislation as it stands. Its statement follows one earlier this week from the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych), which said it has 'serious concerns' and cannot support the Bill in its current form. MPs in the House of Commons will have a further debate on Friday (Stefan Rousseau/PA) That statement was branded by one opponent of the Bill as a 'blow to its foundations'. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP behind the Bill, said it was coming back 'even stronger' when it returns to the House of Commons on Friday for the first time since a historic yes vote in November. She said the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which relates to England and Wales, goes 'further than any other around the world in its safeguards, oversight and regulation' and that the Government's impact assessment has confirmed this. 'The law as it stands is not working for dying people or their loved ones; that much is clear,' Ms Leadbeater wrote in The Mirror. 'A majority of MPs recognised this when they backed my Bill in November. 'When they come to debate it once again today, they can be confident that it returns even stronger.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who voted for the Bill last year, has indicated he remains supportive of the proposed legislation and that it has 'sufficient time' in Parliament amid claims from some it is being rushed through. In a boost for the Bill, new Reform MP Sarah Pochin has confirmed she will support it. Mike Amesbury, who she replaced in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency earlier this month, had voted no last year. Reports speculating on the numbers of MPs who had supported the Bill last year but are now considering voting against it have been dismissed by the Bill's backers who reject the idea the proposed legislation is at risk of collapse. But the RCPsych statement prompted MPs, some with medical and clinical backgrounds, who back the Bill, to urge their colleagues in Parliament to support it. A statement, signed by supportive MPs including doctors Neil Shastri-Hurst, Simon Opher and Peter Prinsley, insisted 'most healthcare professionals understand that the current law is not working', that it 'criminalises compassion', places clinicians 'in an impossible position' and cannot be tolerated or defended. In their position statement on Thursday, the RCP said despite changes to the Bill in recent months which supporters argue have strengthened it, the college believes 'there currently remain deficiencies that would need addressing to achieve adequate protection of patients and professionals'. It said there are 'key factors' which must be in place should assisted dying be legalised. These include decisions around a patient's prognosis to be informed by 'expert clinical professionals including those who know the patient', decisions on capacity, and safeguards around coercion to be informed by face-to-face assessments of 'relevant and appropriately skilled health and care professionals', regulations of medicines and a guarantee resources will not be diverted from other end-of-life care. Their concerns follow those from RCPsych which said it has 'unanswered questions' about the safeguarding of people with mental illness, and warned of a shortage of consultant psychiatrists to meet the demands of the Bill. Both colleges said they remain neutral on the principle of assisted dying. The RCP's clinical vice president, Dr John Dean, said: 'The ultimate decision on assisted dying rests with society through Parliament, but professional and clinical issues are integral to legislation, regulation, guidance and safe and effective implementation. 'Our members and fellows who we represent have a wide range of views on assisted dying. While the RCP neither supports or opposes a change in the law on this matter, the Bill in its current form has concerning deficiencies. 'Notably, the proposed mechanisms of decision making are not in line with good clinical and professional practice. Further statutory guidance is also required to ensure effective regulation of drugs, providers, and the involvement of clinicians. 'Parliament must address these critical issues in the legislation or risk failing to protect vulnerable patients and uphold the integrity of clinical practice.' The chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, also told the BBC this week that doctors have 'real concerns about the practical and legal implications of a change in the law on assisted dying', which she said 'must be acknowledged and addressed, so that any legislation is watertight'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer signalled that his support for the assisted dying Bill has not changed (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) Speaking during a visit to Albania, Sir Keir was asked if his views on assisted dying had changed during the passage of the Bill. He told broadcasters: 'My views have been consistent throughout.' In a later interview he reiterated the Government's neutrality on the Bill and said it was facing 'a lot of scrutiny, both inside Parliament and outside Parliament', adding that he was 'satisfied' it had 'sufficient time' in Parliament. Some opponents have claimed proposals are being rushed through as a private member's bill and that it has not had the same level of scrutiny had it been a Government Bill. Dozens of amendments have been tabled and many could be debated and voted on during a five-hour sitting in the Commons on Friday. It is not yet clear whether time will allow for a third reading vote, with the possibility that the report stage could instead run into a second day next month because of the large number of further amendments proposed. As it stands, the Bill would allow only terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death – subject to approval by two doctors and the three-member expert panel featuring a psychiatrist, social worker and senior legal figure. Ms Leadbeater has defended the scrapping of the High Court judge safeguard which has been replaced by the expert panel. She told LBC Radio this was a 'more holistic approach, a more patient-centred approach' and is 'much, much stronger' as a result.
