Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signaled a reluctance to engage in the debate surrounding assisted dying, stating that significant improvements to palliative and social care services are needed first.
Burnham's comments come ahead of the potential reintroduction of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in Parliament following the six-week summer recess. The bill, which previously failed in the House of Lords due to time constraints and accusations of filibustering, aimed to permit terminally ill adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live to apply for an assisted death. Lauren Edwards, the Labour MP for Rochester and Strood, is expected to reintroduce the legislation.
This stance marks a departure from his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, who had supported the bill. Burnham stated that while he does not rule out a debate on assisted dying at some point, his immediate priority is to fix the funding for palliative and social care. He expressed concern that initiating a broader debate on assisted dying is difficult when individuals are not receiving adequate care and peace of mind regarding their existing care.
Burnham's remarks were made as he also announced plans to reform the social care system with the aim of establishing a "national care service." Previously, in 2024, Burnham had indicated he would likely vote in favor of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. He had also abstained on a similar bill in 2015 due to concerns about safeguards and potential pressure on individuals.
However, Burnham noted that family experiences in the intervening years have shifted his perspective, leading him to believe that "we do allow people to suffer and families to suffer too much." He qualified his support for the principle of assisted dying by emphasizing the need for hospices to be "properly funded and sorted out" before any new law is enacted. He also referenced his Catholic background, acknowledging that Catholic social teaching influences his politics, although he is not particularly religious. The Catholic Church is steadfastly opposed to assisted dying legislation.
Burnham's position aligns with some parliamentarians, including Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who have advocated for prioritizing improvements in palliative care before legalizing assisted dying. Labour MP Jess Asato, a leading opponent of the bill, welcomed the Prime Minister's comments, stating that many MPs concerned about the legislation focus on its practical implications rather than its principle. Asato emphasized that meaningful choice and dignity at the end of life cannot be achieved without a robust palliative care system and affordable social care.