MP Naz Shah leaves committee session on assisted dying bill

Concerns are growing about the scrutiny of assisted dying laws in Parliament. This comes after Labour MP Naz Shah had to leave a late-night committee session regarding the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Shah represents Bradford West and has voiced her opposition to the Bill. She left the session early because her hearing aids ran out of battery after 15 hours. She explained that without her hearing aids, she could not participate fully in the discussion. Shah has raised the issue of her hearing aids with the Bill's sponsor, Kim Leadbeater, and other committee members several times. She expressed her frustration about not being able to contribute to important discussions due to her disability. The late-night session ended around 9:15 PM, with some members criticizing the timing. Labour MP Andrew Pakes, who also uses hearing aids, stated that long hours are not helpful. Many agree that Parliament should ensure everyone can participate in such significant discussions. Critics argue that the process should build confidence in the Bill, which has far-reaching consequences. A Labour source emphasized the need to accommodate MPs with disabilities. Shah, a practicing Muslim, mentioned that she has made sacrifices to be part of the committee, especially during Ramadan. Supporters of the Bill, including Leadbeater, defended the need for extended sessions to finish the scrutiny of the legislation, stating it allows flexibility in members’ other commitments. Leadbeater has not yet commented on the situation.