Starmer in Rio de Janeiro for G20 summit and is set to become first UK PM to meet Chinese president in six years
In her Today interview Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, claimed that Keir Starmer and Lucy Powell, the leader of the Commons, have both said that the assisted dying bill will get “as much time as it needs” for detailed, line-by-line debate, if it passes the second reading vote on Friday week. She said:
I do not think the government is showing any signs of wanting to restrict the debate. It then goes to the Lords … The only time constraint is this needs to be finished by November next year.
I do think that [Streeting has] crossed the line and has given the impression that the government is not neutral …
If government ministers, especially the secretary of state, for health, if they speak out, then the government’s position of neutrality is compromised. Individual MPs will be feeling as if they have to support the government or be against the government, and this principle of neutrality on moral issues is very important.
1/ After opposing assisted dying in the Commons a decade ago, I was convinced to change my view by a constituent while serving as an MP. Their story stayed with me and shaped my perspective. #AssistedDyingBill
2/ Today, I deeply admire the work of Kim Leadbeater and will support her bill. The proposed safeguards are thoughtful, thorough, and, if anything, more restrictive than I had anticipated. #TerminallyIllAdultsBill
3/ I am surprised to see my House of Lords colleague, Harriet Harman, making media appearances in recent days criticising Health Secretary Wes Streeting. He is doing his job and is entitled to his position.
4/ MPs should absolutely be made aware of the practicalities of new legislation. That is the essence of good governance and responsible debate. #AssistedDying
5/ I sincerely hope campaigners for the Bill focus on dialogue, not confrontation. Shouting down proper debate risks deterring those, like me, who have considered and changed their stance. #OpenDebate
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