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Assisted dying bill could see ‘death czar’ judge cases

(Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Back to the assisted dying bill which, it would appear, seems to be dying a slow death itself. The legislation is losing support after an amendment was introduced by its sponsor Kim Leadbeater – which removes the need for a high court judge to approve cases – ruffled feathers, with the Sun newspaper now coming out against the plans. Meanwhile some unsavoury discussions about the bill’s misuse have left onlookers feeling rather uncomfortable about the whole thing.

Last night, the full wording of the amendment was published. Despite Leadbeater’s previous insistence that the role of high court judges in the euthanasia process is ‘really, really important’, the alteration would remove the need for a judge to approve applications and instead have a ‘voluntary assisted dying commissioner’ – dubbed the ‘death czar’ by online critics – to oversee expert panels that will sign off euthanasia cases.

While the government has taken a neutral stance on the matter, some of Leadbeater’s own colleagues are rather unhappy about the legislation.

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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