MPs speak out against Assisted Suicide

Next Friday, 11 September, MPs will gather in Parliament to vote on the second reading of Labour MP Lauren Edwards’ assisted suicide bill. In its current form, the bill poses significant threats to the most vulnerable in our society, and a growing number of MPs have spoken publicly about their concerns.

The bill is identical to Kim Leadbeater’s bill brought before the House last year, which MPs narrowly approved by a majority of just 23 at third reading – down from 55 at second reading. Among Labour MPs, 224 voted in favour, compared with 160 against.

Next Friday will once again be a free vote, with MPs expected to vote according to their conscience.

According to LabourList, 13 Labour MPs have so far confirmed they will back Edwards’ bill, while 20 have confirmed they will vote against it. Two others – including Prime Minister Andy Burnham – have said they will not vote.

Opposition within Labour is becoming increasingly organised. Dame Meg Hillier and Jess Asato are co-chairing a new Labour Against the Assisted Dying Bill group, with MPs including Ashley Dalton, Naz Shah and Daniel Francis also involved.

Hillier has raised serious questions about whether the proposed system could ever operate safely. “None of the relevant royal colleges or professional groups will say this bill is either safe or workable,” she said, arguing that MPs have a responsibility to protect vulnerable people and consider the potential impact on the NHS.

Whilst Jess Asato has similarly pointed to the risks faced by vulnerable people. Explaining her opposition to the previous Leadbeater Bill, Asato said she had become increasingly unable to reconcile assisted suicide with her work “to protect vulnerable women and children from harm”.

Naz Shah, who has also joined the Labour group opposing the bill, approached the issue with an open mind when it was last considered by Parliament. But concerns about the safeguards eventually led her to oppose it. At third reading last year, she warned: “As the Bill stands, it presents a public safety issue.”

Concerns are also being voiced across the political divide.

Conservative MP Alex Burghart has been explicit about how he intends to vote, confirming this week: “I will attend to vote against the bill in its current form.” Burghart has particularly highlighted safeguards rejected during the previous Bill’s passage through Parliament, including the removal of the original requirement for approval by a High Court judge.

Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has also confirmed his opposition. “I do not believe it is feasible for any legislation to fully protect the most vulnerable,” he wrote. He has also raised concerns about assisted suicide laws expanding over time and about the possibility of the Parliament Acts being used to push the legislation through without the agreement of the House of Lords.

David Reed MP has been equally clear about his intentions and has said: “When this Bill returns to the House of Commons, I will vote against it.” He has reflected on the potential consequences for disabled and vulnerable people and argued that serious questions about safeguards remain unresolved despite the extensive scrutiny given to the previous Bill.

Together, these interventions show that concerns about assisted suicide are not confined to one party or one part of Parliament. Labour and Conservative MPs alike are warning that the proposed legislation could leave vulnerable people at risk and that the safeguards being offered are simply not sufficient.

Based on the previous vote in the Commons on this Bill, only 12 MPs need to switch their vote for it to be defeated.

Write to your MP

It’s crucial that MPs hear the views of people who are opposed to this damaging and dangerous legislation. CARE would deeply appreciate it if you felt able to write to your local MP. We have put together some pointers that you would be welcome to use: https://care.org.uk/takeaction...