The MP behind the assisted dying Bill has proposed replacing the need for High Court judge approval with an expert panel in a move she argues would strengthen a new law.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater is expected to bring forward amendments for a so-called “judge plus” system after hearing concerns during expert evidence sessions last month.

MPs opposed to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill said the new proposals weaken safeguards, not strengthen them.

A group of 23 MPs is preparing to undertake line-by-line scrutiny of the proposed legislation from today, with the process expected to last weeks.

As it stands, the Bill could see terminally ill adults in England and Wales with under six months to live legally allowed to end their lives, subject to approval by two doctors and a High Court judge.

Ms Leadbeater had said the High Court approval element made her legislation the strictest in the world.

She has now proposed a judge-led Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission that she said would give a greater role to experts, including psychiatrists and social workers, in overseeing applications.

The commission would be led by a High Court judge or a senior former judge and receive all applications and reports from two independent doctors, which would then be referred to a three-member panel chaired by what has been described as a senior legal figure.