David Neuberger, the former president of the supreme court who has presided over significant assisted dying cases, has come out in support of the law change. He believes that the current status quo is not meeting the fundamental goals of the law, which are to uphold personal autonomy and protect the vulnerable.
Neuberger’s experience with assisted dying cases has led him to back Kim Leadbeater’s bill, which is focused on terminally ill individuals. He is confident that the bill’s strict terms will not be expanded through judicial challenges.
As MPs gear up for the historic vote on Friday, there has been a flurry of activity to secure support from undecided members. A new independent commission on palliative care, led by Labour MP Rachael Maskell, is set to launch in December and has garnered support from prominent charities in the field.
While advocates for assisted dying are pushing for the bill to pass, there has been resistance from disability activists who fear that vulnerable individuals may be at risk if the legislation is approved. Scottish Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy, who uses a wheelchair, has raised concerns about the impact of the bill on disabled people and has urged MPs to consider the consequences.
Despite the intense debate surrounding the issue, it seems that Leadbeater’s bill may have enough support to pass the first parliamentary hurdle. MPs are set to have a free vote, allowing them to vote according to their conscience on this critical issue.
The debate on assisted dying has sparked strong emotions on all sides, with advocates like Esther Rantzen making heartfelt pleas for change. Rantzen, a well-known TV presenter, has emphasized the public’s concern about the issue and urged MPs to listen to the arguments before casting their votes.
As the countdown to the vote begins, it is clear that the outcome will have far-reaching implications for end-of-life care and individual autonomy. The decisions made by MPs on Friday will shape the future of assisted dying legislation in the UK and could have a profound impact on those facing terminal illnesses.
