“Kim is very clear that the bill has the strongest protections and safeguards anywhere in the world and she would not support any changes that would weaken the bill,” a source close to Leadbeater said.
Pro-assisted dying MPs fear online backlash is eroding support for bill Committee members blame ‘toxic’ reaction on social media and attacks on those giving evidence in public hearings.
A Labour MP on the committee said they were extremely concerned about the pressure its members were under, blaming a “toxic” social media environment in the aftermath of public hearings about the bill.
Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the private member’s bill, tabled a number of government-drafted amendments this week, a sign the government is taking a muscular approach to closing potential holes in the bill, while ostensibly remaining neutral on the issue.
The amendment would allow those with a neurodegenerative illness, such as Parkinson’s, to access an assisted death with 12 months to live – in addition to the bill’s current provision which is for those with a terminal illness with six months to live.
