The Spen Valley MP said she hoped for “honest, compassionate and respectful debate” on her proposal, which would establish the right for terminally-ill eligible adults to have the choice at the end of life to shorten the time before their deaths.
She said it would also ensure stronger protections for patients and their loved ones in the aftermath.
Leadbeater insists the plan will not conflict with the rights of people with disabilities to be treated equally and “have the respect and support they are absolutely right to campaign for in order to live fulfilling lives”.
“I support these causes just as passionately”, she said.
MPs and peers would have to approve the proposal for it to become law.
Details of the bill have not been finalised, but it is likely to be similar to a proposal tabled in the House of Lords, which would allow terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to receive medical help to end their own lives.
The government will remain neutral on Leadbeater’s bill, with MPs expected to have a free vote – meaning they can decide according to their conscience, without party pressure. Cabinet’s collective responsibility is also expected to be waived.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously promised to give Labour MPs a chance to vote with their conscience – and has supported a change in the law himself.
Asked about the issue during a press conference on Friday morning, he said: “I made a promise to Esther Rantzen before the election that we would provide time for a debate and vote, but that it will be a free vote, and obviously that opportunity has now arisen.”
The PM did not indicate how he would vote.
The health secretary is understood to be “conflicted” over the debate. Wes Streeting backed assisted dying the last time there was a vote and thinks it is right to have a debate now, but is said to have concerns.
Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told Breakfast on Friday he would vote in favour of the bill, branding the current law “cruel”.
Additional reporting by Amanda Kirton
