MP backing assisted dying bill says she has ‘no doubts’ as she rejects minister’s ‘slippery slope’ claim | Politics news

The Labor MP behind the assisted dying bill has said she has “no doubts” about its guarantees after a minister warned it would lead to a “slippery slope” to “death on demand”.

Kim Leadbeater told Sky’s Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that she has “huge respect” for the justice minister Shabana Mahmoud, but she does not agree with her opinion.

IN strongly worded intervention Ahead of Friday’s House of Commons vote, Ms Mahmood said the state should “never offer death as a service”.

She said she was “deeply concerned” about the legislation, not only for the religious reasons she had previously stated, but also because it could create a “slippery slope to death on demand.”

Asked about the criticism, Ms Leadbeater said: “I have a lot of respect for Shabana. She is a very good colleague and a good friend.

“In terms of the slippery slope concept, the title of the bill is very, very clear.

“It’s called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. It cannot cover anyone other than people who are terminally ill and have months to live. It states very clearly that the bill does not apply to anyone. except people from this category.”

Ms Leadbeater’s bill proposes to legalize euthanasia for people who have six months to live, with the approval of two doctors and a High Court judge.

She wants people in great pain to be given the option to take their own lives and includes a provision in legislation that would make coercion a criminal offence.

On Friday the issue will be debated for the first time in almost 10 years, with MPs given a free vote, meaning they will be able to side with their conscience rather than party lines.

As a result, the government must remain neutral, so the intervention of cabinet ministers caused some criticism from the inner party ranks.

Labor Party MP Charlie Falconer told Sky News Ms Mahmood’s remarks were “completely wrong” and suggested she was trying to force her religious beliefs on other people.

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Asked about his comments, Ms Leadbeater said it was important to remain “respectful and compassionate throughout the discussion” and “for the most part that was the case”.

She added: “This debate does come up with a question of religion and we need to be honest about that. There are people who will never support changing the law because of their religious beliefs.”

Ms Leadbeater went on to say she had “no reservations” about the bill, which was also opposed by the likes of Health Secretary Wes Streeting. and former Labor Party Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Asked if she ever worried about people who don’t want to die by taking their own lives over the legislation, Ms Leadbeater said: “No, I have no doubt. I wouldn’t have brought forward the bill if I did.

“The protections in this bill will be the strongest in the world, and the multiple layers of protections in this bill will make coercion a criminal offense.”