Assisted Suicide Bill hit by new problems over lack of psychiatrists

Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide bill has been hit by fresh problems after concerns were raised over psychiatrist shortages.

Last week, the Labour MP tabled amendments to her own bill to significantly water down the safeguards by replacing the role of a High Court Judge with a panel of experts.

She proposed that the panel would include social workers, psychiatrists and lawyers.

But professors of psychiatry have now warned staff shortages could impact panel availability.

Professor Gareth Owen from King's College London told the Daily Telegraph that it was 'probably not' workable for every assisted suicide case to receive a proper psychiatrist assessment.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons last year by 330-275 votes.

A significant number of MPs said they were only voting for it so it could receive further scrutiny.

But the legislation has become bogged down in committee with accusations of bias because the overwhelming majority of witnesses were in favour if the bill.

Despite this, there has been no shortage of criticism of the legislation and the removal of the role of the High Court Judge - initially acclaimed by Ms Leadbeater as a key part of 'three tiers of scrutiny' - has made some MPs nervous.

Third Reading is expected at the end of April and represents the last chance for MPs to reject the legislation before it goes to the House of Lords.