Concern over assisted suicide Bill scrutiny bias

Opponents of assisted suicide have warned of bias on a committee tasked with scrutinising a Westminster Bill.

This week, the membership of a new committee that will look at a Bill from Kim Leadbeater MP was set out.

Fourteen MPs on the 23-member committee voted for Leadbeater's Bill at Second Reading last month.

Only nine MPs on the committee voted against it - although two did not set out their views in the debate.

Alarmingly, the three MPs on the committee with medical training are also supportive of assisted suicide.

Qualified psychiatrist Dr Ben Spencer, a critic of the practice, asked to join the committee but was rejected.

MPs including Rachael Maskell, a key opponent of Leadbeater's Bill at Second Reading, was also knocked back.

Ms Maskell told The Independent:

“I am surprised that no one who was on the assisted dying/assisted suicide health select committee inquiry is on the committee, and myself and Dr Ben Spencer for our relevant clinical experience.

"All bills need strong scrutiny if they are to make good law, but there are significant issues which need challenging and I trust that this will occur. I did ask Kim Leadbeater to be on the committee.”

Analysis suggests that 30 MPs who voted for the Bill at Second Reading could change their mind.

Many MPs are thought to have backed the Bill to 'allow further debate', whilst holding concerns.

The next stages of scrutiny will take place early next year, with another key vote at Third Reading.