Assisting dying bill latest: Historic vote is ‘beginning not the end’ of debate
Esther Rantzen's daughter is calling on Members of Parliament to reconsider their stance on the religious vote regarding the assisted dying legislation.
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Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has expressed that the assisted dying legislation isn't about making a choice between living and dying. Instead, it focuses on empowering individuals to decide for themselves how and when they want to end their lives.
A significant five-hour discussion began at 9:30 am on Friday, with the House of Commons chamber packed with MPs from both parties.
Ms. Leadbeater started by sharing some heartbreaking stories of individuals who were desperate to end their lives due to unbearable pain.
There will be plenty of other instances on both sides of the argument today. The initial discussions highlighted that the matter of pressure could play a crucial role.
The Independent examined public remarks made by all 650 Members of Parliament, along with news articles and other accessible information, to determine which MPs are expected to support or oppose the assisted dying bill that is being discussed this week.
The bill allows for a "free vote," which means party leaders won't force their members to choose a specific side. Our research suggests that at least 90 MPs are expected to back the bill, while a minimum of 83 are anticipated to oppose it.
Caution: This article includes content that some readers may find upsetting, as it discusses human suffering.
Dignity In Dying Campaign At Parliament Vote
Jabed Ahmed - November 29, 2024, at 12:23 PM
Sir David Davis: I’ll Support The Bill Despite Issues
Sir David Davis, a member of the Conservative Party, has urged the government to allow Members of Parliament enough time to ensure they do things correctly. He emphasized, “If we do this well, it will be one of our greatest achievements.”
Sir David expressed his support for the Bill overall and indicated that he would cast his vote in favor of it today.
He mentioned, “We can look at various results from other nations that have attempted this. If, after the second reading, I believe this Bill is likely to lead to situations similar to those in Belgium or Canada, I would be inclined to vote against it.”
Sir David expressed that he had concerns about the Bill that he hoped would be addressed, including the provision that allows doctors to propose assisted death to patients. However, he emphasized that his vote was primarily based on principle and encouraged the government to allow MPs ample time to discuss the matter after today's vote.
Holly Bancroft, November 29, 2024, at 12:22 PM
Tim Farron: Palliative Care Resources At Risk
LibDem MP Tim Farron has expressed concerns that this Bill lacks any protections against coercion. He pointed out the possibility of "self-coercion," where individuals may feel compelled to choose death sooner in order to ease the burden on their family and friends.
Mr. Farron points out that European nations where assisted dying is not permitted have boosted their investment in palliative care, in contrast to those that have made it legal.
Mr. Farron contended that choosing assisted dying means choosing to redirect resources away from palliative care. He emphasized that access to palliative care in this country is inconsistent, particularly affecting the elderly and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In contrast, Labour MP Marie Tidball expressed her support for the Bill. She informed her fellow MPs that she wants the ability to make choices about the conditions surrounding her own death.
“She stated that it is appropriate for this Bill to focus specifically on the final phase of terminal illness in adults.”
She mentioned that she would like to see some modifications during the committee phase, including a clear definition of coercion and pressure outlined in the Bill. She believes that the Bill would provide individuals with "the dignity they deserve at the end of life."
Holly Bancroft, November 29, 2024, at 12:15 PM
Labour MP Calls Bill A 'Rushed Mistake'
Labour MP Rachael Maskell stated that the assisted dying Bill is a hasty and inappropriate solution to a complicated issue.
She addressed the House of Commons, stating, “This legislation fails to adequately protect patients; it’s too imperfect to fix. It’s an inappropriate and hurried response to a complicated issue.”
The Member of Parliament for York Central expressed that her main worry is coercion. She stated, “Although we acknowledge that coercion can occur in relationships or in cases of elder abuse, particularly during end-of-life situations—where there may be malicious intent—this legislation does not offer adequate protection.”
Ms. Maskell expressed her worries regarding how the Bill will affect individuals with disabilities. She stated, "We strive in this House to eliminate stigma and promote dignity, equality, and value. This is why disabled individuals are apprehensive about this Bill, as it undermines their worth in a society where they struggle to thrive."
"If you support equality, you'll see the shortcomings in this Bill when it comes to protection," she noted.
Jabed Ahmed on November 29, 2024, at 12:14 PM.
Sir Edward Leigh: Details Matter Most
Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh has expressed the need for a broader conversation in the UK regarding how doctors can help manage pain for patients at the end of their lives.
He shared with the members of Parliament, "When I speak with experts in palliative care, they inform me that they are able to control pain."
I genuinely believe that if we're going to engage in a meaningful discussion on this topic, we should establish something similar to a royal commission to thoroughly evaluate what actions are permissible for doctors.
"Until we resolve this matter, I don't believe we can achieve the progress that it truly warrants. We need to seriously invest in the hospice movement. It's quite concerning that we provide funding to the NHS for end-of-life care, yet we don't give enough support to our hospice services."
"I don't think that a private members' bill with just five hours of discussion is the appropriate way to handle this."
Sir Edward highlighted the limited time MPs had to discuss the Rwanda Bill in the previous parliament, stating, “Surely this matter is even more significant. We should have had two or three weeks to examine this Bill. The nuances surrounding potential coercion and the laws regarding pain relief are critical. Can’t we take a moment to reconsider? This is incredibly important, as many vulnerable individuals are affected."
Sir Edward wrapped up by stating, “I’ll be casting my vote for hope at 2:30 and opposing this Bill.”
Holly Bancroft, November 29, 2024, at 12:04 PM.
Tory MP: Legislation Faces Limited Scrutiny
Dr. Ben Spencer, a Conservative MP who would have been eligible to serve as a medical assessor under the proposed legislation before entering Parliament, expressed concerns about the lack of thorough examination of the bill.
"Why does this Bill only apply to those with terminal illnesses? What exactly qualifies as a terminal illness?" he questioned the MPs. He pointed out that if the Bill is approved solely for terminally ill patients, it would unfairly exclude others who are also enduring pain but are not anticipated to pass away within six months.
He questioned, "Is there a clear distinction—if there even is one—between subtle pressure and the natural reactions of a family under stress while caring for an ill family member?"
Dr. Spencer stated that Members of Parliament were not making a decision about the idea of assisted dying itself. He explained, “What they are really voting on is how this concept would be applied as outlined in this Bill.”
He argued that this Bill could unintentionally put added pressure on individuals who are already at risk.
Dame Meg Hillier, a Labour Member of Parliament, acknowledged that the discussions among MPs were focused not on the fundamental idea behind the Bill, but rather on its wording. However, she expressed worries that the Bill grants the government new powers that have never been seen before.
She stated, “This marks a significant shift in the dynamic between the government and its citizens, as well as between patients and their healthcare providers. If we have even the slightest concern about giving the government that authority, we should oppose it in today's vote.”
Jabed Ahmed November 29, 2024, 11:54 AM
Samaritans Posters Block Assisted Dying Support
Advertisements for assisted dying have been displayed at Westminster Tube station in central London in anticipation of an important parliamentary vote.
Certain advertisements from the advocacy group Dignity in Dying have been obscured by posters put up by the Samaritans, a charity focused on preventing suicide, as a form of protest.
Jabed Ahmed on November 29, 2024, at 11:45 AM.
MPs Engage In Heated Debate Over Bill
Labour MP Rachael Maskell, an opponent of the Bill, has stated that "research indicates that disabled individuals and people from ethnic minorities face discrimination in healthcare. If you truly support equality, you will acknowledge the absence of protections in this legislation."
She addressed the Members of Parliament, saying, “We need to be absolutely certain that there are no mistakes when voting on this Bill… Life and death are too valuable to make an error.”
Layla Moran, a Member of Parliament from the Liberal Democrats and chair of the health and social care select committee, stated that she will support the Bill "because I believe it's important to keep this discussion going."
She stated, “We're now at the second reading, and the media is putting the question to everyone - are you in favor of this Bill or not? Today, I will address whether I want to continue discussing the issues surrounding this Bill. Do I want to delve into the specifics until we reach the third reading, at which point I still have the option to vote against it?”
James Cleverly, a Conservative Member of Parliament, spoke up to clarify that the discussion among MPs wasn't about the broader issue of assisted dying, but focused specifically on the details of the Bill currently being considered.
He stated, "We're focusing on the details of this Bill, not having a broad discussion. My esteemed colleague has pointed out several shortcomings."
He asked Ms. Moran, "If it has benefits, why are we not allowing it for kids?"
Ms. Moran mentioned, "That's something he may want to bring up with the Bill committee in the future."
Sure! Here’s a rewritten version of the blog section: "Jabed Ahmed - November 29, 2024, 11:37 AM"
Liz Carr Opposes The Assisted Dying Bill
Actress and disability rights advocate Liz Carr spoke out at a protest outside Parliament, emphasizing that there is a delicate distinction between terminal illness and disability in relation to the assisted dying Bill.
While addressing the audience from Old Palace Yard, Ms. Carr, 52, known for her roles in TV series like Loki and Silent Witness, stated, “For individuals with disabilities, the distinction between terminal illness and disability is very delicate.”
"We often find ourselves navigating the NHS and the healthcare system, and I believe we tend to have a bit less trust than most people."
"We understand that doctors can make errors and that there can be inaccuracies in predictions about health outcomes. We are worried that if this Bill is passed, the influence of the medical field over our lives could grow unchecked."
Jabed Ahmed, November 29, 2024, 11:25 AM
Terminally Ill May Face Decisions Eight Times, MP Says
Labour MP Andrew Slaughter stated that, according to the Bill, a person with a terminal illness will have to reevaluate their choice at least eight times. He reassured fellow MPs that there are protections established to ensure safety.
"For me, the choice revolves around respecting human dignity and the ability to make personal decisions. I believe that even at the very end of life, particularly during that time, individuals should still have the opportunity to assert their autonomy and make choices for themselves," he said.
Tory MP Kit Malthouse expressed that many people face suffering, agony, and humiliation at the end of their lives.
Regarding the High Court's workload, Mr. Malthouse expressed that it was absurd to imply that "I should suffer due to an overwhelming burden because the judges can’t handle it... they will manage, just like they have for many years."
Mr. Malthouse stated that if the Bill doesn’t get approved, individuals will unfortunately keep choosing painful methods to end their lives. He added, “I can assure you that there is likely someone at St Thomas’s right now who is starving themselves to death.”
Holly Bancroft, November 29, 2024, 11:25 AM
