Portrait of Blair McDougall, MP.
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Portrait of Blair McDougall, MP.
Labour MP Blair McDougallCredit: Andrew Barr

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.”

Headshot of Andrew Pakes, Labour PPC for Milton Keynes North.
Labour MP Andrew PakesCredit: Refer to Source – Free

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.”

MP Kim Leadbeater at a protest for assisted dying.
Kim Leadbeater joins campaigners in favour of legalising assisted dyingCredit: Alamy

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”.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Manhattan DA quietly pulls data dashboard amid slipping convictions

Manhattan DA Removes Data Dashboard as Conviction Rates Decline

Since Alvin Bragg became the Manhattan District Attorney, his conviction rate has…
Hoo Boy: New Effort by Dems to Figure Out Why They're Losing Is Hilariously Clueless

How Democrats Undermined Themselves: Self-Owns, Reckless Moves, Delays, and Vocal Mishaps Against Trump

Democrats are facing a series of setbacks, and their attempts to challenge…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 16 shot, 4 fatally, in gun violence across city, police say

Weekend Gun Violence in Chicago: Police Report 16 Shot, Including 4 Fatalities

CHICAGO (WLS) — At least 16 people have been shot, four fatally,…
Headshot of Pete DeJoy, Cofounder and SVP of Product at Astronomer.

Meet Pete DeJoy: The Interim CEO of Astronomer Replacing Andy Byron After Coldplay ‘Kiss Cam’ Incident

ASTRONOMER has appointed a new interim CEO following a viral “kiss cam”…
Top federal watchdog says Rebuild Florida audit should be complete in six months

Leading federal watchdog anticipates Rebuild Florida audit completion in six months

The Deputy Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban…
Walking this many steps more per minute can help you age better

Increase Your Step Count per Minute for Better Aging Benefits

Want to stay strong in your golden years? It might be time…
Gwyneth Paltrow felt 'sad' when Brad Pitt married Jennifer Aniston, relished when pals said he had 'terrible taste'

Gwyneth Paltrow ‘saddened’ by Brad Pitt’s marriage to Jennifer Aniston, enjoyed friends’ comments on his ‘poor taste’

In Amy Odell’s new book “Gwyneth: The Biography,” it is revealed that…
The moment that put CC Sabathia on path to become Bronx legend

The Turning Point That Made CC Sabathia a Yankee Icon

In his debut season with the Yankees, CC Sabathia led the team…
Jacksonville teen starts petition to keep MOSH open

Jacksonville Teen Initiates Petition to Prevent MOSH Closure

MOSH plans to close its Southbank location at the end of August…
Huckabee Threatens to Declare Israel Does Not Welcome Christians Amid Visa Row

Huckabee Warns Israel May Be Alienating Christian Visitors

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee has threatened to publicly accuse Israel of no…
Sophie Vouzelaud, Miss Limousin 2006, in a swimsuit.

Romantic Journey: Man Travels 500 Miles to Meet His Dream Woman, Only to Discover She’s Married

A LOVESTRUCK man travelled nearly 500 miles to meet a beauty queen…
World premiere of 'That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne And Patti' wows audiences at Black Ensemble Theater in Uptown

Debut of ‘That’s What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne And Patti’ Impresses at Black Ensemble Theater in Uptown

CHICAGO (WLS) — The world premiere of “That’s What Friends Are For:…