- MP confident assisted dying bill will be approved
- The vote will take place on Friday in the House of Commons
- If passed, it moves to the House of Lords
MP confident assisted dying bill will be approved amid tight Commons vote
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater expressed confidence that the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will pass its crucial Commons stage on Friday, moving on to the House of Lords. The legislation would allow adults in England and Wales diagnosed with a terminal illness and expected to live less than six months to request assisted dying, with safeguards including approval from two doctors and an expert panel of legal, medical, and social professionals. The bill has already passed its second reading 330–275, and public backing remains strong (around 72–75%). However, it faces increasing opposition due to concerns over procedural speed, potential impact on vulnerable groups, especially those with learning disabilities, and NHS readiness.
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Kim Leadbeater/X): “I’m confident MPs will back this tomorrow—it’s the right moment.” (news.sky.com)
- Opposition (Royal College of Psychiatrists/medical bodies) via Health Sec Wes Streeting: Bill does not meet patient needs—process too rushed.’ (thetimes.co.uk)
- Viral/Public (disability campaigners): Fears voiced: disabled people might be coerced—safeguards must be iron‑clad. (the-independent.com)
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Reuters/AP/Sky News provide balanced, factual coverage, vote details, public opinion, procedural safeguards, and key concerns.
- The Guardian amplifies emotional testimony from terminally ill supporters and highlights advocacy for compassionate choice, against rush criticism (theguardian.com).
- Financial Times questions the Private Member’s Bill route and warns that legislative haste may undermine legitimacy and implementation quality (ft.com).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–positive.