Assisted dying bill set for ‘historic’ Second Reading debate on 29th November
Kim Leadbeater MBE, Labour MP for Spen Valley, has today announced that her Private Member’s Bill on Choice at the End of Life will have its Second Reading debate on Friday 29 November – the first opportunity MPs will have to debate and vote an assisted dying bill since 2015. Ms Leadbeater will formally introduce her Bill to the House of Commons at its First Reading on Wednesday 16th October.
Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:
“This is a historic opportunity for MPs to listen to the public mood and bring about real change for dying people and their families. The ban on assisted dying is forcing terminally ill people to suffer despite the best care, spend their life savings travelling to Switzerland, or take matters into their own hands at home, with relatives often left traumatised. Last night MPs of all parties gathered to hear directly from individuals and family members who have witnessed this devastation firsthand. Their message was crystal clear: the ban on assisted dying must end.
“Three-quarters of the British public, from all parts of the country and walks of life, understand the pressing need for law change on assisted dying. It would give dying people a proper choice over how they die, and would introduce practical measures to assess eligibility, ensure rigorous medical oversight, and robustly monitor every part of the process. A cross-party inquiry examined this issue for 14 months and found that assisted dying laws around the world for terminally ill people are safe and often bring improvements to end-of-life care. Proposals for law change are already progressing in Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man. When Westminster comes to debate this Bill, MPs must remember that families across the country are depending on them to do the right thing; to vote for choice, for safety, for compassion and for dignity.”
*ENDS*
For more information please contact Molly Pike, Senior Media & Campaigns Officer at Dignity in Dying at molly.pike@dignityindying.org.uk or 07855209809