Kim Leadbeater has refused to distance herself from the Sarco gas chamber assisted suicide pods after she failed to back an amendment to her Bill, which would ban the use of the portable gas chambers.
Sarco inventor Philip Nitschke, who is nicknamed “Dr Death” and “the Elon Musk of assisted suicide”, said he is “absolutely” keen on bringing his Sarco suicide machine to the UK if the assisted suicide Bill passes, and described his machine as a “stylish” and “elegant” option for assisted suicide.
A person ends their own life inside the 3D-printed Sarco pod by pushing a button that injects nitrogen gas into the sealed gas chamber. The nitrogen causes them to suffocate to death.
Tory MP Greg Stafford tabled an amendment to Kim Leadbeater’s Bill to ban the use of portable gas chambers. Stafford, whose amendment “requires the Secretary of State to forbid the use of medical devices which cause death by the administration of a gas”, told The Independent “The inventor of the Sarco death pod has stated that he would like to introduce his gas pods to this country. The assisted dying Bill, as drafted, would allow the Sarco pod to come to these shores”.
“If accepted, my amendment would remove this possibility by requiring that regulations prohibit any device used for the self-administration of gas”.
Stafford added “We know that the public is uneasy with the Sarco pods. I very much hope that the Bill sponsor takes the opportunity to accept my amendment and makes it clear that she doesn’t support the introduction of these suicide pods in the UK”.
Despite Stafford’s words, Leadbeater declined to back the amendment, with her spokesman saying “I think it’s highly unlikely to be accepted for debate or vote if it hasn’t gone down yet”.
“We know that the public is uneasy with the Sarco pods”
The danger of the Sarco machines being made available in the UK has been highlighted by the fact that Nitschke has said people from the UK have already shown significant interest in his new device, and by leading legal academics confirming with The Telegraph that the assisted suicide pods will be legal under the proposed legislation.
Professor of law and constitutional government at St John’s College, Oxford, Richard Ekins KC, said “If Kim Leadbeater’s Bill passes, and if the Secretary of State approves liquid nitrogen as an approved substance, then the Sarco death pod would be a lawful means to assist suicide in Britain”.
Nitschke heavily criticised by both supporters and opponents of assisted suicide
Leadbeater’s refusal to back the amendment may raise concerns as Nitschke, who believes “troubled” teenagers should be able to access suicide pills, is a controversial figure whose ‘Sarco machine’ has been dogged by controversy. In July 2024, prosecutors in Switzerland banned its use because they were concerned not only about the legality of its use in the country but also potential ethical issues surrounding its implementation.
In a letter obtained by the Swiss media, Public Prosecutor, Peter Sticher said “There is no reliable information about the method of killing. It is completely unclear who has control over which mechanical process during the dying process”.
Nitschke has also been heavily criticised, both by those for and against assisted suicide. Journalist Emily Lawford highlighted the fact that an Australian coalition of voluntary assisted dying societies, Your Last Right, has “specifically opposed” Nitschke’s platforms, whilst Rodney Syme, founder of Dying with Dignity Victoria, referred to Nitschke’s views as “aberrant”.
James Mildred, Director of Engagement for Christian Action Research and Education (CARE), said “Philip Nitschke’s device has been condemned by a broad range of commentators. Many people feel that it trivialises, and even glamourises, suicide. We believe that suicide is a tragedy that good societies seek to prevent in every circumstance. There are ethical ways to help human beings that don’t involve the destruction of life”.
Further blows for Leadbeater Bill
Stafford’s amendment came on the same day the Leadbeater Bill was dealt further blows. First, reports emerged that a letter signed by around 1,000 doctors was sent to MPs urging them to vote against the assisted suicide Bill. The doctors criticised the “deeply flawed bill”, saying “This bill will widen inequalities, it provides inadequate safeguards and, in our collective view, is simply not safe”.
“This is the most important piece of healthcare legislation for 60 years and we urge you to listen to the doctors who would have to deliver the consequences of this deeply flawed Bill”.
The doctors added “It is our opinion that this Bill poses a real threat to both patients and the medical workforce, and we urge you to vote against it”.
Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said “Greg Stafford is right to try and prevent Nitschke’s horrendous Sarco suicide pods from being allowed in the UK. This bizarre killing machine has no place in civilised society and should be destroyed immediately”.
“It is hugely worrying that Kim Leadbeater did not take the opportunity to distance herself from Nitschke and his destructive ideas. She should be listening to the growing number of credible organisations, including the Royal College of Physicians, the British Geriatrics Society, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and around 1,000 doctors, who have expressed grave concerns about this reckless legislation”.
“We urge MPs to pay attention to these concerns and to vote against this dangerous Bill at Third Reading”.
