YouSaid · the spoken record
Kim Leadbeater
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On the record 2021–2026
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“I recognise the need to prevent the unethical advertising of assisted dying services, especially to avoid commercial exploitation or coercion, but it is essential that we carefully calibrate the clause to ensure that it targets unethical advertising practices without sweeping in legitimate and necessary actions that help people find the care they need in a manner that is lawful and respectful of their autonomy. As such, I am very happy to work with colleagues, including the hon. Member for Reigate, to look at how we can produce something to that effect ahead of Report.”
House of Commons25 March 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Subsection (3) states: “Distributing an advertisement includes transmitting it in electronic form, participating in doing so, and providing the means of transmission.” That is particularly concerning because it could criminalise doctors involved in the process of simply communicating with their patients, such as by sending an email, if they were seen as participating in the distribution of an advert. The intent is clear: we must prevent the unethical advertising of assisted dying services. However, we must ensure that the new clause does not inadvertently hinder access to legal services by criminalising the actions of doctors who are simply making themselves available in accordance with the law. We must not create barriers for those who need the service, nor should we penalise doctors for providing legitimate, legal services.”
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“Similarly, as my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland Central mentioned, the Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985 prohibits the advertising of surrogacy services. Both Acts are aimed at protecting individuals from misleading or unethical commercial activity. The situation with assisted dying is more complex. The new clause is not about advertising unregulated or unproven services; it is actually about doctors who are offering a legal, regulated service to those who meet the criteria. I therefore have the same concerns as the hon. Member for Solihull West and Shirley.”
House of Commons25 March 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“New clause 9 specifically relates to the advertising of assisted dying services. I fully understand the intent behind it—to prevent the unethical advertising of assisted dying services. I thank the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Dame Harriett Baldwin) for bringing the issue to the Committee’s attention. However, there are important nuances with the new clause as drafted that need to be addressed, to avoid criminalising individuals or organisations simply for providing information that is essential for those seeking access to those services. I have looked into this issue because it is an important point for the Committee to consider. Section 4 of the Cancer Act 1939, a useful reference point, bans advertising for cancer treatment. It prevents the advertising of any treatments, regardless of whether they are evidence-based.”
House of Commons25 March 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“I thank the right hon. Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd for tabling the new clause. She has made extremely valuable points, as she has throughout the Committee, about the importance of respect for the Welsh language. I think she is absolutely right. As the Minister said, there are some issues with the drafting, as to what the implications would be, not just in Wales but in England. It is my understanding that Ministers in the Senedd are happy to meet following the Committee’s proceedings, and I am happy to discuss these issues with them as part of our conversations. It is important that the right hon. Member’s thoughts have been put on record, and we need to look at what we can put in the Bill ahead of Report to address her concerns.”
House of Commons25 March 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich for tabling the new clause. I have some concerns around the broad definition of “family member”. I also feel that it would be potentially excessive if there were a coincidental situation in which, tragically, two members of the same family were terminally ill. I worry about the extra burden it would place on them of going through an even more rigorous process when they had both been assessed under the thorough regime of the Bill, including the multidisciplinary panel. However, the point is worth discussing and I welcome the fact that my hon. Friend has raised it.”
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“We are entering deeply philosophical territory, which is welcome and has happened several times before during the Committee’s proceedings. As ever, the hon. Member for East Wiltshire has raised some interesting points, but my view is that his new clause should not be in the Bill. We all have our views on how we frame assisted dying and choice at the end of life, but I do not think that assisted dying should be defined—or rather not defined—in this way in the Bill.”
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“Public Records Act 1958 12 In Part 2 of the Table in paragraph 3 of the First Schedule to the Public Records Act 1958 (bodies whose records are public records), at the appropriate place insert— ‘The Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner.’ House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 13 In Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (offices disqualifying person from membership of House of Commons), at the appropriate place insert— ‘The Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner or the Deputy Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner.’ Freedom of Information Act 2000 14 In Part 6 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (public authorities for the purposes of the Act), at the appropriate place insert— ‘The Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner.’ Equality Act 2010 15 In Part 1 of Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010 (public authorities subject to public sector equality duty), at the end of the group of entries for bodies whose functions relate to health, social care and social security insert— ‘The Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner.’”— (Kim Leadbeater.) This new Schedule contains provision about the Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner.”
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“(2) A document purporting to be duly executed under the Commissioner’s seal or signed on the Commissioner’s behalf — (a) is to be received in evidence, and (b) is to be treated as duly executed or signed in that way, unless the contrary is shown.”
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“(3) The Comptroller and Auditor General must— (a) examine, certify and report on the statement of accounts, and (b) send a copy of the certified statement and the report to the Secretary of State. (4) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament each document received under sub-paragraph (3)(b). (5) In this paragraph, “financial year” means— (a) the period beginning with the date on which the Commissioner is established and ending with the second 31 March following that date, and (b) each successive period of 12 months. Application of seal and proof of documents 11 (1) The application of the Commissioner's seal is to be authenticated by the signature of— (a) the Commissioner, or (b) a person who has been authorised by the Commissioner for that purpose (whether generally or specially).”
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“(2) The Secretary of State may— (a) provide staff in accordance with arrangements made by the Secretary of State and the Commissioner under paragraph 7; (b) provide premises, facilities or other assistance to the Commissioner. Accounts 10 (1) The Commissioner must— (a) keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to them, and (b) prepare a statement of accounts in respect of each financial year in the form specified by the Secretary of State. (2) The Commissioner must send a copy of each statement of accounts to the Secretary of State and the Comptroller and Auditor General— (a) before the end of August next following the end of the financial year to which the statement relates, or (b) on or before such earlier date after the end of that year as the Treasury may direct.”
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“(3) Sub-paragraph (2) does not apply in respect of— (a) the Commissioner’s function under paragraph 2(1) of Schedule (Assisted Dying Review Panels) of making appointments to the list of persons eligible to be panel members; (b) the Commissioner’s function of determining applications for reconsideration under section (Reconsideration of panel decisions refusing certificate of eligibility). Financial and other assistance from the Secretary of State 9 (1) The Secretary of State may— (a) make payments to the Commissioner of such amounts as the Secretary of State considers appropriate; (b) give such financial assistance to the Commissioner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.”
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“Staff: general 8 (1) Before appointing staff under paragraph 6 or making arrangements under paragraph 7(1), the Commissioner must obtain the approval of the Secretary of State as to the Commissioner’s policies on— (a) the number of staff to be appointed or seconded; (b) payments to be made to or in respect of staff; (c) the terms and conditions on which staff are to be appointed or seconded. (2) A function of the Commissioner may be carried out by any of the Commissioner’s staff to the extent authorised by the Commissioner (but this is subject to sub-paragraph (3)).”
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“(5) The Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 does not require insurance to be effected by the Commissioner. Staff: secondment to Commissioner 7 (1) The Commissioner may make arrangements for persons to be seconded to the Commissioner to serve as members of the Commissioner's staff. (2) The arrangements may include provision for payments by the Commissioner to the person with whom the arrangements are made or directly to seconded staff (or both). (3) A period of secondment to the Commissioner does not affect the continuity of a person's employment with the employer from whose service he or she is seconded.”
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“Remuneration 5 The Secretary of State may pay to, or in respect of, the person holding office as the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner— (a) remuneration; (b) allowances; (c) sums by way of or in respect of pensions. Staff: appointed by Commissioner 6 (1) The Commissioner may appoint staff. (2) Staff are to be appointed on terms and conditions determined by the Commissioner. (3) The terms and conditions on which a member of staff is appointed may provide for the Commissioner to pay to or in respect of the member of staff— (a) remuneration; (b) allowances; (c) sums by way of or in respect of pensions. (4) In making appointments under this paragraph, the Commissioner must have regard to the principle of selection on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.”
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“(3) A person may not be appointed as the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner if a relevant appointment of them has been made on two occasions. ‘Relevant appointment’ here means appointment as the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner. (4) The Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner may resign by giving written notice to the Secretary of State. (5) The Secretary of State may by notice in writing remove a person from the office of Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner if satisfied that the person— (a) has behaved in a way that is not compatible with their continuing in office, or (b) is unfit, unable or unwilling to properly discharge their functions.”
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“(4) The delegation of a function under sub-paragraph (3) does not prevent the Commissioner from exercising that function. (5) The functions of the Commissioner are to be carried out by the Deputy Commissioner if— (a) there is a vacancy in the office of the Commissioner, or (b) the Commissioner is for any reason unable or unwilling to act. Appointment and tenure of office 4 (1) A person holds and vacates office as the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner in accordance with the terms and conditions of their appointment as determined by the Secretary of State, subject to the provisions of this paragraph. (2) An appointment as the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner is to be for a term not exceeding five years.”
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“(3) The Commissioner’s property is not to be regarded as property of, or property held on behalf of, the Crown. General powers 2 The Commissioner may do anything the Commissioner considers appropriate for the purposes of, or in connection with, the Commissioner’s functions. Deputy Commissioner 3 (1) The Prime Minister must appoint a person to be the Deputy Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner (the ‘Deputy Commissioner’). (2) The person appointed must hold or have held office as a judge of— (a) the Supreme Court, (b) the Court of Appeal, or (c) the High Court. (3) The Commissioner may delegate any of the Commissioner’s functions to the Deputy Commissioner, to the extent and on the terms that the Commissioner determines.”
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“But here we are at this hour. I do not think this has been rushed through; I think we have taken an extremely thorough approach. “No amendments will be made” was the charge. We have made lots of amendments, and we will put the Bill back to the House in an even stronger position than it was in on Second Reading. I pay tribute to everybody involved in the process. Question put and agreed to . New clause 35 accordingly read a Second time, and added to the Bill. Schedules 1 to 6 disagreed to . New Schedule 1 The Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner “ Status 1 (1) The Commissioner is to be a corporation sole. (2) The Commissioner is not to be regarded as— (a) the servant or agent of the Crown, or (b) as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.”
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“I associate myself with the comments made by others, particularly my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich, about the fantastic work done by my hon. Friends the Members for Penistone and Stocksbridge and for Bexleyheath and Crayford with regard to this new clause and other amendments. I also associate myself with the comments of the Minister for Care and the hon. Member for East Wiltshire about the fantastic work done throughout this Committee by our Chairs, the Clerks of the House and indeed all the staff of the House, and I pay tribute to colleagues who have served on this Committee; it has been hard work. When I reflect on the criticism—sometimes, sadly, very personal—directed at me when we were putting the Committee together, I remember people saying that it would just be people who all agreed or people who would rush the Bill through.”
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“They refine the original provisions, focusing on serious misconduct and offences covered by the clause.”
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“Member for East Wiltshire to consider an alternative amendment that would better achieve the aim of ensuring that no one has an obligation to take part in the assisted dying process.”
House of Commons19 March 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“As such, I turn to amendment 480. I agree with the intention behind the amendment—nobody should have a duty to be involved with the provision of assistance in accordance with the legislation—and I think there is consensus across the Committee on that. However, I am concerned about the drafting of the amendment, the lack of clarity around being directly or indirectly in the provision of assistance, and the framing of the selective list of activities. I fear that the amendment could have unintended consequences and an impact on continuity of care, and I take on board the Minister’s comments about the significant legal uncertainty that that would create. I therefore cannot support the amendment as drafted but, as I have said, I am happy to work with the hon.”
House of Commons19 March 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Thank you for stepping into the breach this morning, Ms McVey. Clause 23 provides that there will be no obligation on medical practitioners and health professionals to provide assistance as set out in the assisted dying process. We know doctors and other health professionals hold a variety of views on assisted dying. A significant number are in support of what this Bill sets out to do, and the experience from other jurisdictions is that that number increases once it is seen to be working safely and effectively in practice. Others, of course, would object to being involved at any stage and I am very respectful of that. The Bill is about giving terminally ill people choice and autonomy, but it is absolutely right that the principle of autonomy is extended to registered medical practitioners, health professionals and others.”
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“However, we also know that the reassurance and comfort that the choice of an assisted death provides alongside other treatment and care is really important to them, and I do not believe that reassurance should be denied to some people because of the institution they happen to be in.”
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“As many Members will know because of their own work as trustees, the trustees and leadership of a hospice team are required to put personal opinion and interest to one side and always act in the best interest of the charity’s beneficiaries, who are the population.” –– [ Official Report, Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Public Bill Committee, 29 January 2025; c. 195, Q255.] It is also important to remember that international experience shows that up to 30% to 40% of patients who sign up to the assisted dying process ultimately do not access it. Palliative care may meet their needs, or they may simply change their mind.”
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“We believe this stance is in the best interests of patients and their families and reflects the wishes of our community.” I welcome that open-minded approach and their commitment “to put care, compassion and dignity at the heart of everything” they do. Contrary to what the hon. Member East Wiltshire has said, the picture is not black and white. I agree with my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich in that regard. Colleagues may remember the evidence given to the Committee by the CEO of Hospice UK, Toby Porter. He clarified for us that institutions do not function in the same way as individuals when it comes to conscience-influencing decisions. He told us: “There is this idea that your individual opinion guides everything, but with a hospice charity the opposite is true.”
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“The hon. Gentleman makes a good point, and I am aware of the Minister’s comments. This will be part of the discussion as we take it forward. That is why this debate is really powerful. In their written evidence, the trustees at Willow Burn hospice, based in the UK, told us: “Our Mission is to deliver hospice care of the highest standard to our patients and those important to them...We also believe that we should support and enable people to make the choices that matter to them.” They said they had not decided their position on assisted dying and remained “open minded about possible future actions.”
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“The right hon. Gentleman makes an important point. The word that we have used a lot—maybe not enough in some respects—is choice. That is important for individuals, but it is important for institutions as well. Putting an institutional opt-out in the Bill would risk creating confusion and distress for patients and their loved ones, and indeed for staff and volunteers.”
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“The hon. Lady is absolutely right to acknowledge the wonderful workforce working in end of life care, but there is a range of views within that workforce and there is the individual opt-out. No one has to be involved in this process if they do not want to be. That is clear in the Bill as it stands. I hope that, working together, we can make that even clearer if needed. Under the Bill, doctors and health professionals already have the ability to opt out for any reason, wherever they work.”
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“The latest figures from the British social attitudes survey, published just this week by the National Centre for Social Research, show that support at 79%, which is unchanged or slightly up on a decade ago. Although I cannot support these amendments, this is an important debate. I think we have conducted ourselves extremely well over the past 24 hours. I think it is important that we continue the debate respectfully and sensitively.”
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“It is a good point. My understanding—the Minister might correct me—is that pharmacists currently are within the definition of health professionals, but if they are not, that is an important point, which would be covered by making the change to ensure that no one is under any duty. However, I will definitely check that. Mr Porter also said: “hospices evolved out of the community. They exist because communities wanted better deaths. In the end, it is the job of institutions to evolve to fit the values and laws of society as they evolve, rather than vice versa.” –– [ Official Report, Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Public Bill Committee, 29 January 2025; c. 202, Q264.] The polling on assisted dying shows significant public support for a change in the law, which is one of the main reasons we are here discussing the issue today.”
House of Commons19 March 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“I beg to move amendment 504, in clause 24, page 15, line 11, leave out from second “of” to end of line 12 and insert “— (a) providing assistance to a person to end their own life in accordance with this Act, or performing any other function under this Act in accordance with this Act, or (b) assisting a person seeking to end their own life in accordance with this Act, in connection with the doing of anything under this Act.”. This amendment provides that it is not an offence to perform a function under the Bill, or to assist a person seeking to end their own life, in connection with the doing of anything under the Bill.”
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“You have the power, the power is yours to be human, to follow Gods wish, to ‘suffer’ choices that other people may make even if its uncomfortable for you. Palliative care I hear you say, My Husband did not want palliative care…Please give others the gift of dignity and a good death in their homes…You have the power to do something amazing, give people the choice.” I commend these amendments, which will help many people. Sadly, it is too late for Louise, but they will help many other families who will potentially go through what she has been through.”
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“No funeral that he would have chosen, no mourners, no ceremony, cremated with no Reverend to pray for him, returned to me in a cardboard box. The pain is excruciating beyond any other loss I have experienced”. She then says: “I have been arrested and spent just under three hours being interviewed by two CID officers. Four days after my husband left my world there I was stuck in a Police station being cautioned, questioned, having to relive my trauma, for my crime, a crime made by love, a crime made by adoration, a crime of compassion and respect of my husband’s last wish.” She now faces a prolonged police investigation. She tells us, “My husband was the first British person to go to Dignitas after parliament debated on Friday 29 th Of November 2024.”
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“You cannot imagine unless you see and feel this he was looking forward to his peaceful death, looking forward to leaving his pain, suffering…At the end, my husband was able to die on his own terms, pain-free and peaceful, held in my arms as his heart gently slowed and finally stopped, granting him the dignified and serene farewell that he had wished for. But where was I? alone in a strange country alone, scared, bereft, organising an Uber to take me away from the…Dignitas House, I was vulnerable and in utter shock, now having to leave my dead husband alone, leave his body to be cared for by people I had never met…Due to our draconian laws my husband had to be in a foreign country, had to be cremated to be brought back home.”
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“Then there is the cost, not just financially but mentally and physically as he had to be able to get to Zurich and someone had to assist him to do this…My husband did not deserve this to be his end nor did I deserve this to be his end, my last memory of him…I accompanied my husband to Switzerland, where we had 4 wonderful days together, my husband’s mood had lifted, he was at peace, it was as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. He was not scared, no anxiety, his emotional suffering had ceased.”
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“These amendments create clarity and prevent ambiguity around what constitutes a criminal act versus an action legally protected by the new law. I will finish with a very powerful testimony from Louise Shackleton from Scarborough. Louise accompanied her husband to Dignitas last December. I believe she was the first person to make that trip since Second Reading. Louise talks about the trip she made to Switzerland with her husband. She says: “This is not an easy process as some against Assisted Dying might have you believe, might try and convince you. It is a robust and thorough almost an ordeal in itself.”
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“What we need is a system that balances compassion with protection, ensuring that people who are at their most vulnerable are supported in a way that is both legal and ethical.” Sir Max Hill’s words emphasise the need for clear, compassionate guidance, which these amendments will provide. They will help to eliminate the legal uncertainty that can cause fear and hesitation in those who act in the best interests of individuals facing terminal illness. The 2010 DPP policy clarified that assisting someone to end their life was not automatically criminal and that each case would be assessed on its individual facts. However, that has not changed the law and many people are still being failed by the law as it stands.”
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“He said, “The law must be clear, and it must ensure that those who act with the intention to relieve suffering are not penalised, as long as their actions are in accordance with the law.” That sentiment is echoed in the amendments before us today, which ensure that those who assist individuals under the Bill are protected by law, offering clarity and reassurance to both the public and professionals who may be involved in such decisions. Sir Max Hill, another former Director of Public Prosecutions, remarked in 2019, “The law around assisted dying is often unclear and creates a great deal of uncertainty for both individuals and healthcare professionals.”
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“and learned Friend the Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir Starmer), the former Director of Public Prosecutions, stated in relation to assisted dying, “The law must reflect the changing moral landscape of society, and in cases such as this, where the individual’s autonomy and suffering are at stake, our legal framework must offer clarity and compassion.” During his tenure as DPP, Sir Keir also emphasised the importance of not criminalising individuals who act out of compassion, particularly in difficult and morally complex situations.”
House of Commons19 March 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Amendment 505 ensures that the provisions of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Act 2025 will supersede the Suicide Act 1961, providing clarity that actions taken under the new Act will not be subject to the outdated legal framework established under the 1961 Act. That is a crucial step in modernising our laws to reflect the values of compassion, dignity and personal autonomy. These amendments bring us closer to a legal framework that is clear and safe. Our Prime Minister, my right hon.”
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“These amendments relate to criminal liability under the Bill. They get to the heart of why the legislation is needed. Amendment 504 seeks to clarify the language of clause 24 and provide reassurance that it will not be considered an offence to perform a function under the provisions of the Bill or to assist a person seeking to end their own life in connection with anything done under the Bill. It will ensure that those acting within the law, and with compassion, to assist terminally ill individuals who wish to end their suffering and take control at the end of their life are protected under the law.”
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“I have nothing further to add. Amendment 504 agreed to. Amendment made: 505, in clause 24, page 15, leave out lines 22 and 23 and insert “— (a) providing assistance to a person to end their own life in accordance with the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Act 2025, or performing any other function under that Act in accordance with that Act, or (b) assisting a person seeking to end their own life in accordance with that Act, in connection with the doing of anything under that Act.”. —(Kim Leadbeater.) This amendment ensures that it is not an offence under the Suicide Act 1961 to perform a function under the Bill, or to assist a person seeking to end their own life, in connection with the doing of anything under the Bill. Clause 24, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 25 Civil liability for providing assistance”
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“This amendment ensures that the exclusion from civil liability applies in relation to persons performing functions under the Bill, and persons assisting a person seeking to end their own life, in connection with the doing of things under the Bill. It also excepts, from the exclusion from civil liability, things done dishonestly or not in good faith, and any liability arising out of negligence.”
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“I beg to move amendment 501, in clause 25, page 15, line 31, leave out subsection (1) and insert— “(1) The doing of any of the following does not, of itself, give rise to any civil liability— (a) providing assistance to a person to end their own life in accordance with this Act; (b) performing any other function under this Act in accordance with this Act; (c) assisting a person seeking to end their own life in accordance with this Act, in connection with the doing of anything under this Act. (1A) Subsection (1) does not apply— (a) in relation to an act done dishonestly, or in some other way done otherwise than in good faith, or (b) to any liability in tort arising from a breach of a duty of care owed to a person.”.”
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“It ensures that, although we provide legal protection for those acting with compassion and integrity, we also prevent exploitation or irresponsible actions, by making it clear that there is no immunity for actions that are dishonest or negligent. That strikes the right balance between compassionate assistance and legal accountability. The amendment particularly reassures doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers—those who are most likely to be involved in the process. Often, they are deeply committed to palliative care and to supporting patients through their end of life journey, and the amendment ensures that they will not face legal risk if they provide assistance to eligible individuals under the Bill.”
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“That is crucial in offering clarity and confidence for healthcare professionals, family members or others who might otherwise hesitate due to fear of being sued for assisting a loved one or patient who wishes to end their life as a result of their terminal illness. However, although we are providing protection, amendment 501 does not allow for unfettered actions without any accountability. Proposed new subsection (1A) ensures that any actions that are dishonest or done in bad faith are not protected from civil liability. Additionally, it states that breaches of a duty of care, such as negligence, are also not exempt from liability. This provision is a critical safeguard.”
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“The amendments ensure that the exclusion from civil liability applies in relation to persons performing functions under the Bill and persons assisting a person seeking to end their own life in connection with the doing of things under the Bill. Importantly, they also rightly exempt from the exclusion from civil liability things done dishonestly or not in good faith, and any liability arising from negligence. Proposed new subsection (1) in amendment 501 makes it clear that anyone providing assistance to a person to end their own life in accordance with the Bill will not face civil liability simply for doing so.”
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“I will speak briefly on this issue. An important point was made by my hon. Friend the Member for Rother Valley about the protections that clause 25 and these amendments provide for medical practitioners. I think the clause strikes the right balance, but it is important to remove the blanket immunity. My hon. Friend referred to codes of practice and codes of conduct. We have talked a lot about good medical practice from the General Medical Council, and we have a clause in the Bill on codes of practice. I feel confident in the clause, but I am still having regular meetings with officials about the legal implications of the Bill. I will continue those conversations, but I am happy that the clause as it stands serves the correct purpose.”
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