Five hours is 'sufficient time' for assisted suicide debate, says Starmer

The upcoming debate on the UK’s proposed assisted dying legislation has sparked controversy as MPs are allotted only five hours to discuss the complex issues surrounding this bill.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s Private Member’s Bill, scheduled for its second reading on 29 November, would allow terminally ill adults to end their lives with medical assistance.

Critics, including Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson, argue that the brief timeframe prevents thorough examination of the ethical, practical, and legal implications, urging for more parliamentary time to address this sensitive topic.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer was asked to allow for more time to debate the topic with some asking for at least two days.

Starmer replied, “I do think there is sufficient time allocated to it, but it is an important issue,”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed concerns, citing inadequate palliative care as a barrier to informed choice, and fears that the right to die might shift to a perceived “duty” for vulnerable individuals, especially elderly patients.

CARE, a Christian advocacy group, has called for MPs to oppose the bill, highlighting concerns over potential pressure on vulnerable groups and ethical ramifications.

The organisation encourages individuals to write to their MPs, urging them to vote against the legislation and advocate for alternative measures to improve end-of-life care rather than introduce assisted suicide laws.