Key facts
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham will abstain from voting on the assisted dying bill.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced he will abstain from voting on the assisted dying bill to ensure a free and uninfluenced parliamentary debate. He emphasized the government's neutrality on the issue, respecting all viewpoints.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's decision to abstain on the assisted dying bill highlights the sensitive nature of the issue and the government's commitment to allowing parliament to decide without undue influence, impacting the legislative process and the potential for law change.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has informed Labour MPs that he will abstain from voting on the assisted dying bill when it returns to the House of Commons next month. This decision aims to ensure that the parliamentary debate is not unduly influenced and that MPs can reach their own collective view on the matter.
Burnham stated that the government remains neutral on the question of assisted dying and the passage of the bill, emphasizing the importance of respecting every viewpoint. He acknowledged having personal views but stressed that the decision rests with parliament and that his role as prime minister would be to implement the parliamentary will, whether that involves changing the law or not. He also noted that collective responsibility would be set aside for this conscience issue, allowing frontbenchers to vote or abstain freely.
Previously, as Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham had expressed support for assisted dying in principle. However, he also noted in July that introducing such a change would be challenging before improvements in palliative and social care. Supporters of the bill suggest that the proposed four-year implementation period allows for these improvements.
An earlier version of the private member's bill, led by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, did not pass due to extensive amendments. A similar bill, tabled by Labour MP Lauren Edwards, is set for its second reading in the Commons on September 11. This version would allow adults with less than six months to live to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval from two doctors and an expert panel.
Wes Streeting, who previously served as health secretary, had voiced concerns about the potential impact of the bill on the NHS's budget. In response to Burnham's decision, Edwards welcomed his stance on respecting personal experiences and views, stating her own approach would be similar.