Diane Abbott and Edward Leigh unite against assisted suicide bill

Labour MP Diane Abbott and Conservative MP Edward Leigh – as mother and father of the House – have united against the proposed assisted dying bill, arguing it poses significant risks.

In an article written for the Guardian, they expressed their shared concern over the rushed process, with only 18 days between the bill's publication and debate—far less than the seven weeks given for a similar bill in 2015.

They note this insufficient scrutiny particularly disadvantages new MPs, who may not fully grasp the implications of such a profound legal change.

The MPs highlight serious legal and practical flaws: Former High Court judge Sir James Munby criticised the bill’s safeguards as “lamentably short,” and more than 3,000 medical professionals warn of its potential impact on their profession.

Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, disabled, or minorities, may face undue pressure to choose assisted suicide due to financial burdens, inadequate care, or coercive relatives.

For example, pensioners could feel a “duty to die” to save resources for their children, or widows might believe they are a burden on an overstretched NHS.

Abbott and Leigh stress that legalisation would create unavoidable risks, as seen in other countries. They argue the law should remain unchanged to protect against exploitation.

Instead, they advocate for increased investment in health and palliative care, ensuring dignity and support for terminally ill patients without endangering vulnerable individuals.