Kim Leadbeater, a Labour MP, is under fire for her actions in the assisted dying committee after she pushed for an eleventh-hour amendment that would allow the selection of expert witnesses to be done in secret.
This last-minute change has raised concerns about transparency, with critics accusing Leadbeater of “stitching up” the process in favor of a particular agenda.
Private Discussions and the Push for Secrecy
The committee’s first session took place behind closed doors after Leadbeater’s motion was approved, meaning much of the proceedings happened in private.
The motion proposed that the committee meet in secret to decide which experts should be invited to provide testimony in future meetings.
While some argue that this was necessary for the smooth running of the process, others, like Tory MP Danny Kruger, strongly opposed the move.
Kruger emphasized the need for public openness, stating that decisions about which experts are chosen should be made transparently, especially since they will impact public policy on such a sensitive issue.
Concerns Over Imbalanced Expert Representation
Kruger further raised concerns about the potential imbalance in the experts being called to testify.
According to Kruger, a significant majority of the nearly 60 experts suggested to the committee are in favor of the assisted dying bill, with 38 of them supporting the principle of assisted dying. He argued that this lack of diversity in viewpoints could lead to an unbalanced discussion and urged that any concerns about the selection of witnesses be addressed openly.
Leadbeater Defends Privacy and Transparency
In defense of her actions, Leadbeater argued that it would be inappropriate to publicly discuss the suitability of named individuals to testify.
While she acknowledged the importance of transparency, she stressed the need to respect the privacy of individuals involved in the process.
Leadbeater also pointed out that the number of expert witnesses being called for the bill is unprecedented for a private member’s bill and expressed her willingness to hear suggestions on strengthening safeguards.
Criticism from Conservative Figures
The move has sparked further backlash from prominent Conservative figures.
Former Home Secretary James Cleverly voiced concerns on social media, questioning whether the push for secrecy was an indication that those supporting the bill were prioritizing a win over careful, balanced legislation.
Tory MP Andrew Rosindell also expressed disappointment, saying that he had been assured by Leadbeater that the process would be fully transparent.
He now believes that public scrutiny will not be as thorough as promised and argued that the bill should not proceed under these circumstances.
What’s Next for the Assisted Dying Bill?
The bill, which aims to grant terminally ill adults in England and Wales the legal right to end their lives with medical approval, has sparked heated debates.
The next steps include oral evidence from medical and legal professionals beginning next week, with line-by-line scrutiny set to start in February.
Despite the controversy surrounding the committee’s procedures, the process is moving forward, and the public debate is expected to intensify as more details emerge.
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