DPOs Welcome Last-Minute U-Turn but Criticise Inadequate Scrutiny Process on Assisted Dying Bill

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In a significant development, the parliamentary committee reviewing the Assisted Dying Bill has reversed its earlier decision, now permitting Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) to provide oral evidence. This change comes after substantial criticism regarding the initial exclusion of these vital voices from the deliberation process.

The Assisted Dying Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide for terminally ill people in England and Wales, has been a focal point of concern for Disabled people and their representative organisations. Many fear that such legislation could inadvertently pressure Disabled people into ending their lives, especially in a society where adequate social care and support systems are lacking.

A Last-Minute U-Turn After Pressure from DPOs

Initially, the committee’s decision to exclude DPOs from providing oral evidence was met with widespread condemnation. Campaigners argued that omitting the perspectives of those most affected undermined the bill’s scrutiny process. Following sustained advocacy, the committee has now amended its stance, allowing DPOs to present their insights directly.

Kamran Mallick, Chief Executive of Disability Rights UK, commented on this development:

It’s welcome that the Committee has revised its decision and now included Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations within the list of witnesses giving oral evidence over the next few days. However, this does not change the fact that the scrutiny process remains deeply inadequate. Disabled people are disproportionately affected by this bill, yet our voices were almost completely excluded from the discussion. It should not have taken pressure from campaigners for MPs to recognise that we deserve a seat at the table. This decision is a step forward, but it does not undo the harm caused by the committee’s initial refusal to hear from us.

Kamran Mallick

Chief Executive, Disability Rights UK

Despite this late reversal, concerns persist regarding the overall scrutiny process of the bill. The rapid progression of the legislation has posed challenges for meaningful engagement from Disabled people and their representative organisations.

Tracey Lazard, CEO of Inclusion London, highlighted:

The bill is travelling through Parliament at a speed that is completely inaccessible to Deaf and Disabled people. The failure to properly consult with DDPOs from the outset is unacceptable, and the rushed nature of this process raises serious questions about whether MPs are taking the concerns of Disabled people seriously. We are talking about a law that could have life-or-death consequences for our community, yet we are being forced to fight just to be heard

Tracey Lazard

CEO, Inclusion London

Ellen Clifford, campaigner and author of The War on Disabled People, echoed these concerns, warning about the dangers of introducing assisted suicide in a society where Disabled people already face systemic discrimination:

Disabled people in the UK are being failed by social care, denied vital financial support, and demonised by government rhetoric. In a society that does not value our lives, introducing assisted suicide presents an immediate and serious danger. There is a real risk that people will feel forced into ending their lives because they lack the support to live. The lack of robust safeguards in this bill is shocking, and the government’s failure to consult with Disabled people properly is yet another example of our voices being ignored

Ellen Clifford

Campaigner and Writer

While the inclusion of DPOs in the oral evidence sessions is a positive step towards ensuring that Disabled people’s voices are heard, it remains clear that the scrutiny process has been deeply flawed. The speed at which the bill is moving and the initial exclusion of DPOs highlight ongoing systemic barriers that prevent meaningful engagement from Disabled people in legislative decisions that directly impact their lives.

Dominic Ellison, Chief Executive of WECIL criticised the non-platforming of Disabled people throughout the debate:

It is absolutely right that Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations are now being heard in the scrutiny of this bill – but it should never have been in question. The voices of those most affected must be at the heart of decisions like this. While we respect and support people’s right to choose how they live and die, we must also ensure that Disabled people are not placed at risk in a society where we face systemic barriers to care, financial security, and inclusion. The fight to protect Disabled people’s rights is far from over, and we will continue to challenge any legislation that risks putting lives in danger due to a lack of support, rather than genuine choice.

Dominic Ellison

Chief Executive, WECIL

Campaigners continue to call for proper scrutiny, accessible consultation, and a full recognition of the dangers this bill could pose to Disabled people. The fight to protect our rights is far from over.

DPOs Welcome Last-Minute U-Turn but Criticise Inadequate Scrutiny Process on Assisted Dying Bill

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