You don’t need to have a strong opinion either way on assisted dying to be concerned about the latest attempt to legalise it: from a scrutiny perspective, Kim Leadbeater’s bill leaves a lot to be desired. It was published last night, 38 pages long, and will be debated in just under three weeks’ time.
Most MPs only find out the implications of a bill when they see them in human form
Critics who are saying MPs will get just five hours to debate the bill are referring to the second reading stage, with further detailed scrutiny available at its committee, report and third reading stages. However, once a bill passes its second reading, the Commons is seen to have approved its principles and overall design, and the following stages are more about finessing that.
The paradox is that the debate on this bill will still be far better than that offered to government bills, which get far more time on the floor of the Commons and in committee.
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