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UK ‘behind curve’ on assisted dying among progressive nations, says Kim Leadbeater

The Guardian
(6 months ago)
Jessica Elgot
Assisted dyingLawSocietyEnglandWalesHouse of CommonsPolitics

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Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, sponsor of the Assisted Dying Bill, states the UK is 'behind the curve' on assisted dying compared to other progressive nations, urging MPs to pass the bill for England and Wales. The bill would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill individuals with less than six months to live, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel of experts. Opponents, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists and some MPs like Dan Carden and Kemi Badenoch, express concerns about safeguards, particularly for those with mental illness or disabilities, and potential coercion. A YouGov poll shows 75% public support, but significant divisions exist, with British Muslims largely opposing it. The bill faces a final vote in the Commons on Friday before moving to the House of Lords.

Trending
  1. 1 Thursday: Kim Leadbeater speaks on the eve of the Commons vote.
  2. 2 Friday: Final vote on the Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Commons.
  3. 3 If passed: Bill moves to House of Lords, with royal assent hoped by October.
  4. 4 If passed: Four-year implementation period for procedures and guidance.
  • Potential legalization of assisted dying in England and Wales
  • Significant social change
  • Concerns raised about safeguarding vulnerable individuals
  • Political divisions and public debate on the issue
What: A bill to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales is being debated and voted on in the House of Commons.
When: On the eve of the Commons vote (Thursday); final vote on Friday. Implementation period of four years if passed.
Where: UK Parliament, England, Wales. Comparisons made to Isle of Man, Jersey, France, and Colorado (USA).
Why: To allow terminally ill individuals with less than six months to live to choose assisted dying, subject to strict safeguards, as the UK is seen as lagging behind other progressive nations on this issue.
How: Through a private members bill sponsored by Kim Leadbeater, which has undergone changes (e.g., removal of high court judge sign-off, replaced by expert panel). MPs will vote on the bill.

People

Kim LeadbeaterDan CardenKemi BadenochKeir StarmerGeorge FreemanSteve DarlingKarl TurnerKanishka NarayanJonathan HinderJack AbbottLuciana BergerCharlie Falconer

Organizations

Labour MPRoyal College of Psychiatristsdisability activistsConservative leaderNo 10Blue Labour group of MPsLib DemMuslim Council of BritainYouGovNHSDepartment of Health and Social CareMinistry of JusticeHouse of LordsHouse of Commons

Locations

Parliament

Locations

United KingdomEnglandWalesIsle of ManJerseyFranceUnited States

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, sponsor of the Assisted Dying Bill, states the UK is 'behind the curve' on assisted dying compared to other progressive nations, urging MPs to pass the bill for England and Wales. The bill would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill individuals with less than six months to live, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel of experts. Opponents, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists and some MPs like Dan Carden and Kemi Badenoch, express concerns about safeguards, particularly for those with mental illness or disabilities, and potential coercion. A YouGov poll shows 75% public support, but significant divisions exist, with British Muslims largely opposing it. The bill faces a final vote in the Commons on Friday before moving to the House of Lords.