Assisted Dying Bill will "take all our vulnerable out"
Essex mental health and disability campaigner tells Greatest Hits Radio the Bill is "nothing to do with elderly needing relief from pain"
An Essex disability campaigner tells Greatest Hits Radio Kim Leadbeater's Assisted Dying Bill is "nothing to do with elderly needing relief from pain" after proposed changes this week would see a psychiatrist be involved in some cases.
Julia Hopper, who supports those with neurodivergence and mentally ill in Essex after the death of her autistic son Christopher Nota, has said: "I am deeply concerned about this Bill."
"Our concerns are vulnerable people's lives will be brought to a premature end as a matter of convenience and saving money"
"We must stand up and speak up for the vulnerable who may not be able to speak here, before this act has passed.
On Tuesday (11 February 2025) Kim Leadbeater indicated she would support an amendment to her assisted dying Bill requiring a psychiatrist to be involved in some cases.
Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse proposed changing the Bill to require an assessment by a psychiatrist if there is concern someone "may be seeking assistance to end their own life due to an impairment of judgment arising from a mental disorder or other condition".
Currently, the Bill includes the option of doctors referring such a patient to a psychiatrist, but it is not mandatory.
Experts would face a "very strict recruitment procedure" to sit on the panel, added Ms Leadbeater.
Ms Leadbeater said at the debate: "That's an amendment I would like to support and I hope the Bill committee support it."
Campaigner Julia Hopper, when asked about this amendment, replied: "If a High Court Judge is now not required, and a panel of experts takes its place, I am absolutely terrified for the safety of our vulnerable" says Ms Hopper.
Care minister Stephen Kinnock has declined to comment on whether mental health providers have "capacity" to become involved in the assisted dying process.
Taking questions at the despatch box, Mr Kinnock said: "After 14 years of Tory neglect and incompetence, we inherited a broken NHS and nowhere is that more apparent than in our mental health services".
Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham, asked: "What assessment have ministers made on whether there's sufficient capacity in the mental healthcare services - which he's just noted are so overstretched - to meet these demands and the potential knock-on impact on both waiting times and treatment for those with mental health conditions?"
Asked if the Government had any input into the proposed changes, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The amendments seek to give legal and practical effect to the sponsors and Parliament's attempts, but ultimately it remains a Private Member's Bill and amendments from the sponsor are a matter for MPs and it will be up to the committee to decide whether to accept each amendment."