The government has reportedly raised concerns about the proposed timeline for implementing assisted dying legislation, prompting last-minute amendments to delay its potential availability.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who is spearheading the bill, expressed disappointment over the need to push back the enforcement deadline to 2029. Some MPs have noted that this revised timeline coincides with the expected date of the next general election, raising concerns about potential delays or abandonment of the policy.
Government officials have been involved in advising Leadbeater on drafting amendments, including adjustments requested by ministers. A spokesperson for Leadbeater stated that while the MP hopes the service could be operational sooner if the bill passes this year, the extended timeframe allows for necessary preparations, including training and system setup for the new service.
Recent changes to the bill, such as the introduction of a new oversight commission and application panel, have contributed to the need for a longer implementation period. Leadbeater’s amendment increases the maximum preparation window from two to four years, though the service could still launch earlier if systems are ready.
Reports suggest divisions within the government over the delay, with some ministers opposing the extended timeline. While the government maintains an official neutral stance, many ministers privately support the bill.
During a committee hearing, Leadbeater acknowledged her disappointment but emphasized that the four-year limit is a “backstop” and does not prevent earlier implementation.
Critics from both sides of the debate have voiced frustration. Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon, a supporter of the bill, argued that other countries have enacted similar laws much faster and warned that further delays would prolong unnecessary suffering for terminally ill patients. He also raised concerns that postponement could push the issue beyond the next election, risking its abandonment.
Opponent Jess Asato, a Labour MP, criticized the last-minute changes, calling the initial timeline “arbitrary” and highlighting the chaotic nature of the legislative process.
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