By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2024-11-29 04:40:40 | Updated at 2024-11-29 08:30:37
4 hours ago
MPs are set to debate assisted dying in the House of Commons today, marking the first parliamentary discussion on the issue in almost a decade.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, introduced by Kim Leadbeater MP, will receive five hours of debate time, with a vote required before 2.30pm to progress further.
Leadbeater expressed hope that this "major social reform" will pass its first stage towards becoming law.
"People will be looking in on Parliament as it debates this important change to the law - a change that, when we most need it, could bring comfort to any one of us or to somebody we love," she said.
Under current law in England and Wales, encouraging or assisting suicide carries a maximum jail sentence of 14 years.
Leadbeater argues the existing law is "not fit for purpose" and has proposed new legislation for change.
Her Bill would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live to end their lives.
The proposed changes include strict safeguards, requiring approval from two doctors and a High Court judge.
Most of the 650 MPs have yet to declare their voting intentions, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who supported law change in 2015.
Those in favour argue the Bill would provide choice to dying people in specific, limited circumstances.
Opposition campaigners have raised serious concerns about potential risks if the Bill becomes law.
They warn of "inevitable abuse, pressure, coercion and mistakes" under the proposed legislation.
Actress and disability campaigner, Liz Carr emphasised the vulnerability of disabled people, stating: "Set against this backdrop of inequality, bias and disadvantage, we do not believe any safeguards could protect us from the inevitable abuse, pressure, coercion and mistakes made under the Leadbeater Bill."
Leadbeater, however, remains hopeful Parliament will show itself "at its best and most compassionate" and that MPs will be "ready to correct injustice and reduce human suffering."
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