Ministers urged to publish impact assessment into proposed assisted dying Bill

MINISTERS are under growing pressure to publish an impact assessment into assisted dying.

Critics said that if the Government was staying neutral it should at least conduct an independent review of the Bill.

2

2

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick became the latest to make the demand, saying: “The Assisted Dying Bill isn’t party political, but the lack of any consultation or impact assessment risks making it unworkable.

“I have real concerns the courts won’t cope and the safeguards aren’t sufficient to prevent abuse.”

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater – who has proposed the legislation – raised concerns yesterday when she said politicians should “butt out” of the debate.

Keir Starmer yesterday slapped down his Health Secretary for wading into the assisted dying debate.

The PM insisted the Government’s position on the issue should remain “neutral” when asked about Wes Streeting’s vocal opposition to the Bill.

Speaking on his way to the G20 Summit in Rio, he told reporters: “It’s a free vote, and it’s very important that it remains a free vote, because people feel very strongly about this.

“And that’s not a political divide. It’s a sort of individual divide….

“That’s why there’ll be a free vote. I’m not going to say or do anything that will put pressure on other people in relation to their vote.

“Every MP will have to make his or her mind up and decide what they want to do when that vote comes a week on Friday.”

Sir Keir also confirmed he will vote on the Bill but did not yet reveal which way he will go.