Assisted dying: High Court would not need to approve cases under change to bill

Assisted dying cases would not need to be signed off by a High Court judge, the MP behind a new bill has proposed.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater is expected to bring forward amendments to her proposal so a multi-disciplinary panel of experts will examine cases and have the power to grant permission for assisted death.

Three-member panels would be chaired by a retired High Court judge, King’s Counsel or a person with similar qualifications – and their decisions could “if required” be reviewed by the High Court.

In the initial version of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which was backed by MPs in November, a High Court judge would have to approve requests for assistance after assent from two doctors.

Ms Leadbeater has described the amended plan as a “judge plus” system, arguing that it strengthens safeguards against pressure or coercion as it gives an “enhanced role for professionals such as psychiatrists and social workers”.

However assisted dying critics say safeguards have been watered down, with Tory minister Danny Kruger calling the change “a disgrace”.

Labour MP Diane Abbott said the bill was “rushed, badly thought out legislation” which “needs to be voted down”, while former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said “even the weak safeguards that existed are being dropped”.

The proposal will be voted on by a committee of MPs who will begin going through the bill line by line on Tuesday.

The committee, selected by Ms Leadbeater, has a 14-9 majority in favour of assisted dying based on November’s vote.

‘There’s a role for other experts to play’

In an interview with Sophy Ridge on Sky’s Politics Hub, filmed on Monday afternoon, Ms Leadbeater was challenged about whether a High Court judge would be specifically required in all cases.

“I think there’s a role for other experts to play,” she said and referred to expert evidence politicians have been hearing about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

“I think what came through in the evidence was the need for a multidisciplinary approach. That’s something I’m giving serious consideration to.

“I think the legal oversight is really important, but I think that multidisciplinary approach could actually enhance the bill even further,” she added.

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The new proposals would also involve the creation of a Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission to oversee all applications, chaired by a High Court judge or senior former judge.

Cases would be referred to multi-disciplinary panels which can grant approval.

The panel is tasked with ensuring people have the capacity to make the decision without pressure or coercion.

The bill also requires two independent doctors to submit reports on each person applying for permission to die.

In January, learning disability charity Mencap warned that discussions around the option of assisted dying might risk pushing “people in a course that they don’t, they may not want to go down”.