LABOUR MPs warn the controversial assisted dying bill will put off voters at the next General Election.
They are worried the legislation is being rushed and key safeguards have been removed.
And ministers will be appointing a death tsar to oversee changes just as voters return to the ballot box.
Blair McDougall said it risks sending a “confusing signal” when they want to talk about Labour’s NHS improvements.
Labour has singled out the health service as a key battleground in the fight against Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.
Mr. McDougall, MP for East Renfrewshire, expressed: “A concern I have heard from MPs is the worry that the Government – despite its neutral stance on the matter – will be appointing officials responsible for death precisely at a time when we are campaigning on whether the NHS is saving lives.
“This could potentially create an unhelpful story just when we aim to promote the narrative of an NHS capable of saving lives, thanks to the investments and reforms we’ve implemented.”
Labour MP Andrew Pakes commented: “I was elected to enhance the NHS, address the cost of living crisis, and simplify life for the residents of my constituency.
“My concern is that this bill has already taken up too much parliamentary time and become a distraction from many of the issues facing people.”
Both MPs called for the bill to be ditched.
“In many ways I think it’s become worse,” Mr McDougall added.
“You’re seeing some of the safeguards eroded, we’re seeing confirmation that things like anorexia would be within it and we’re seeing fundamentals of the NHS being changed around this.”
Peterborough MP Mr Pakes added: “I’m worried that the bill is being watered down to a level that we are trying to make it easy for people to access this service.
“There is a fundamental difference between people having the right to take their lives and making it as easy as ordering something on Amazon.”
The bill, led by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater, returns to the Commons this Friday when MPs will debate and likely vote on amendments.
The next major vote on the whole bill is tipped for mid-June.
In a letter to MPs on Friday, Ms Leadbeater said she listened very carefully to the views of colleagues and the Bill had been “strengthened significantly”.
