by David Maddox, Independent
A top lawyer has claimed that the assisted dying bill breaches the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), because of inadequate safeguards for people with disabilities.
Tom Cross KC’s review of the legislation comes as the government is expected to publish the impact assessment of the bill, which is due to have its final stages debated in the Commons on 16 May.
Mr Cross, who is one of the counsel for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and fellow barrister Ruth Kennedy have warned that the bill breaches Article 14 of the ECHR – the provision that everyone’s rights are protected equally – and would unfairly discriminate people with conditions such as autism, bipolar disorder and depression.
However, allies of Kim Leadbeater, who brought forward the bill, have dismissed the claims, pointing out that the legislation has been carefully looked at by government lawyers.
A source close to Ms Leadbeater told The Independent: “They’re wrong. I can’t share government legal advice but it goes without saying that lawyers have examined the bill in minute detail and would have flagged any possible ECHR issues.”
Read also: More than half of Brits fear vulnerable people will be pressured into assisted dying as Commons showdown looms by Greg Heffer, Mailonline