Assisted dying could stop harrowing deaths, says MP behind bill

The MP behind a bid to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales has argued it would help stop people experiencing "very harrowing" deaths, as she unveiled details of her proposals.

Under a bill published on Monday, terminally ill adults expected to die within six months could seek help to end their life if two doctors and a High Court judge verify they are eligible and have made their decision voluntarily.

Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP behind the bill, said her plan is focused on “shortening death rather than ending life,” and ensures "the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world".

However, opponents have raised concerns that people could feel pressured into ending their lives.

The government has adopted a neutral stance on the proposed law, and Labour MPs will not be instructed which way to vote.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "not going to be putting any pressure whatsoever" on his own MPs, and they would be able to "make their own mind up, as I will be".

"Obviously a lot will depend on the detail and we need to get the balance right, but I've always argued there will need to be proper safeguards in place," he added.

This is the first Commons vote on assisted dying since MPs rejected allowing terminally ill adults to end their lives under medical supervision in 2015.

If the bill passes the first vote later this month, it will receive further scrutiny from MPs and peers, who could choose to amend it.

A final version would require approval by both the House of Commons and Lords to become law.

A separate bill to legalise assisted dying has also been proposed in Scotland, drafted by a Liberal Democrat member of the Scottish Parliament. He expects it to be debated this autumn.