Kim Leadbeater has been criticized for attempting to secretly select expert witnesses as members of a House of Commons committee begin examining her assisted dying bill.
The Labor MP's last-minute amendment was supported by committee members yesterday, meaning much of the session was held in private as it met for the first time.
Ms Leadbeater had tabled a motion on Monday evening for the committee to meet privately to discuss which experts it will hear from in the coming weeks.
Danny Kruger, a leading opponent of the bill and a member of the committee examining it, opposed the measure, saying there was a “clear public interest” in making decisions openly.
The Tory MP said it was good for the public to understand why certain witnesses were chosen and others not, adding: 'And if there are concerns about the witnesses they should be aired publicly.'
He further alleged that there is an “inherent imbalance” among the experts to be called, saying, “Out of 60 names submitted to us, 38 are in favor of this bill and out of 60 names submitted to us . of the principle of assisted dying.'
However, Ms Leadbeater said it would be 'inappropriate to discuss named individuals' and their suitability as witnesses, and that while transparency is important, 'so is respecting the privacy of individuals'.
Kim Leadbeater's (pictured) last-minute amendment was supported by committee members yesterday, meaning much of the session took place privately when it first met
Danny Kruger (pictured), a leading opponent of the bill and member of the committee examining it, opposed the measure, saying there was a “clear public interest” in making decisions openly.
The Labor MP said she is “very open” to how safeguards can be strengthened, adding that the number of expert witnesses to be called is “unprecedented for a private member's bill.”
Last night, former Home Secretary James Cleverly raised concerns about this move, posting on
'I've seen this before. People become so focused on achieving victory that they lose sight of the importance of a balanced vision.”
And Tory MP Andrew Rosindell said: 'I believed Kim Leadbetter when she assured us that sunlight would win and there would be full public scrutiny of the bill. I now know that wasn't true.'
A person protesting against the Assisted Dying Bill outside the Houses of Parliament
Labor MP Kim Leadbeater (centre) with campaigners from Dignity in Dying as they gathered in Parliament Square, central London, last October
“The bill should not go ahead under these circumstances,” he added.
The bill would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales who have less than six months to live to legally take their own lives, subject to approval by two doctors and a High Court judge.
Yesterday's session was aimed at agreeing dates for the coming months and deciding who will be called to give evidence before the committee.
Starting next week, the committee will hear oral testimony from medical and legal professionals, and line-by-line examination of the bill will begin in February.
