Assisted Dying Bill Faces Backlash Over U-Turn on High Court Oversight

Kim Leadbeater's proposed amendment to replace judicial approval with expert panels has drawn criticism from MPs and raised concerns about the bill's future support.

Kim Leadbeater, sponsor of the Assisted Dying Bill, has proposed replacing High Court oversight with a panel of experts, including psychiatrists and social workers, chaired by a senior legal figure.
The change has sparked criticism from MPs who feel misled, as judicial approval was a key safeguard cited during earlier debates and votes on the bill.
Supporters of the bill argue the amendment strengthens protections, while opponents claim it weakens safeguards for vulnerable individuals and shifts the bill in the wrong direction.
Some MPs who initially supported the bill are reconsidering their positions, with opponents aiming to sway enough votes to block the legislation at its third reading in April.
The scrutiny process has been described as chaotic, with over 350 amendments submitted and concerns raised about the rushed nature of the legislative process.