Kim Leadbeater says this reform is long overdue (Image: Getty)
Opponents have launched a desperate last minute bid to derail the Bill before a Commons vote takes place.
MPs are due to debate and have their say on Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s proposal at a landmark Second Reading on Friday.
But four MPs have co-sponsored a so-called wrecking amendment that seeks to stop it, arguing that the Private Member’s Bill process “does not allow for sufficient debate on and scrutiny of a Bill on a matter of this importance”.
One of the MPs, Dr Ben Spencer, of Runnymede and Weybridge, said: “This amendment calls for the groundwork to be done first, including legal review, consultation and assessment of palliative care provision, so that Parliament can have a properly-informed debate and vote on assisted dying.
“While I strongly support the principle of bodily autonomy of people with full decision-making capacity, I have substantial concerns about this Bill.”
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Whether or not the amendment is debated will depend on whether it is selected by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
The MPs who tabled it have suggested that if selected, it will be voted on during Friday’s session, ahead of the vote on the actual legislation.
Ms Leadbeater said the amendment was clearly “intended to prevent this vital issue being debated at all”.
She added: “I believe Parliament would be failing in its duty if it did not take this opportunity to address a reform that is long overdue and has overwhelming public support.
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“As the Leader of the House, Lucy Powell, has said, my private members’ bill will have at least as much time for debate and scrutiny as any other piece of legislation.
“I look forward to starting that process with a respectful and compassionate debate on Friday.”
The debate is expected to be well attended, with many MPs understood to be taking the debate very seriously.
More than 130 MPs have reportedly requested to speak during the five hours allotted for discussion in the House of Commons.
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We are asking our loyal readers to support Dame Esther Rantzen and other terminally ill people who want greater choice at the end of life by writing to your MP and asking them to support the
Introduced in the House of Commons by Kim Leadbeater MP, MPs will debate it on November 29 – but this Bill will only pass if enough MPs vote in support.