MPs from across the House of Commons voiced their concern and frustration that, as at Second Reading, there was insufficient time for all MPs to consider the details of the Bill and its implications. Several MPs urged that extra time be given, but pro-assisted suicide MPs forced the closure of the debate after just over four hours, with many MPs unable to speak to their amendments or contribute at all.
This follows a bruising Committee Stage for Kim Leadbeater, where the “irredeemably flawed” Bill was exposed through the amendments that were tabled. Additionally, in the lead-up to the Report Stage debate on Friday, the Royal College of Psychiatrists dramatically announced its opposition to the Bill, noting “serious concerns about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill” and “too many unanswered questions about the safeguarding of people with mental illness” in particular.
Following Second Reading, analysis from The Independent showed that at least 36 MPs who supported the Bill made it clear they did so only to allow further debate or because they had concerns that meant they couldn’t commit to supporting the Bill at Third Reading.
The tide is turning already. As the flaws and unworkability in the assisted suicide Bill came under scrutiny on Friday, two more MPs joined a number of other MPs who announced earlier in the week that they will be switching their vote to oppose the Bill at Third Reading, having either supported it or abstained at Second Reading.
Momentum is beginning to shift. This fight is winnable. MPs are increasingly becoming aware of the danger this Bill presents and are frustrated by the process and tactics of Kim Leadbeater and pro-assisted suicide MPs.
But we need to make sure that all MPs understand how important this is to their constituents, and that people are engaged and wanting to see this Bill rejected at Third Reading. You can make this happen.
It is so important that your MP hears from you now, to either be thanked and encouraged to maintain their opposition or urged to reconsider their position and vote against the Bill at Third Reading. Your message could help stop this dangerous Bill from becoming law.
Please enter your postcode in the box above to send a follow-up email to your MP after day one of Report Stage of the Leadbeater assisted suicide Bill and ask your MP to vote NO at Third Reading.
Thank you for taking a stand against this dangerous Bill. With your help, we can stop it from becoming law