The Report Stage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has just concluded. Today, MPs spent five hours debating a whole raft of amendments, with Kim Leadbeater attempting to salvage her fatally flawed assisted suicide Bill. There was evident frustration among MPs at the limited time for debate, with even proposers of amendments not being given time to speak. The sense of chaos and confusion was palpable. Tim Farron MP spoke for many when he posted on X, “For the mover of a bill to present such a huge number of amendments to their *own* bill suggests a serious lack of confidence in its safety and rigour. In 20 years I’ve not seen anything so shambolic. Even supporters of the bill must surely see that the bill can’t pass like this.” After the cursory debate on amendments dealing with obligations, duties and protections for medical practitioners, hospices and care homes, safeguards and protections, eligibility and capacity, MPs voted to close the debate. It will resume on 13th June. It is possible that the all-important vote at Third Reading will also take place that day. It is clear that MPs are getting more and more concerned about the dangers of this Bill. In the last few days, at least six MPs have publicly said that they will be changing their votes from supporting to opposing the Bill. Many more will have private concerns. I want to thank you for everything you have done to lobby your MPs on this issue. It really is having an impact. From Lives worth Living campaign of SPUC |
Report on Assisted Dying debate- ‘shambolic’ Tim Farron MP
