High court signoff in England and Wales assisted dying bill to be scrapped

Leadbeater’s amendment would dispense with the need for a high court judge, instead requiring a three-person panel including a senior lawyer such as a king’s counsel or retired judge. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian

MPs are to scrap the requirement for a high court judge to decide on assisted dying cases amid growing concerns over the legislation, with an expert panel to scrutinise decisions instead.

Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP sponsoring the bill, says the change will add significantly more scrutiny from experts better placed to spot those under family pressure to end their lives – and there will be judicial oversight of the panels.