The UK’s longest-serving MP has called for the assisted dying bill to be delayed as he said there is not enough time “to consider the immense complexities”.
MPs will get a free vote, where they can vote however they want, on legalising assisted dying on 29 November, after the details were published on 11 November.
Sir Edward Leigh, the longest-serving MP (father of the House), told the Commons on Wednesday: “There has simply not been enough time to consider the immense complexities of the issue until we are required to make a decision.”
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The Conservative, who has been an MP since 1983, introduced a bill to parliament to require the government to issue guidance on the criminal law of health professionals administering pain relief to terminally ill people.
He said the bill is an attempt to delay the assisted dying vote and to provide more information to those voting. It has been given a second reading on 6 December – after the assisted dying bill’s first vote.
Sir Edward and Diane Abbott, the longest-serving female MP, have also written a joint letter calling for the Commons to reject the assisted dying bill, arguing it has been rushed through and puts vulnerable people at risk.
The assisted dying bill has caused a split among MPs of all parties, but about 100 are still believed to be undecided.
Speaking in the Commons, Sir Edward said there should be an impact assessment, including on the NHS and judges.
Two independent doctors would have to be satisfied a person is eligible for assisted dying and a High Court judge would have to sign it off.
He said the state of palliative care and the current options available to people who are dying needs to be made clear to the public before a vote can go ahead.
“So much of the impetus in…
