Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced he will abstain from voting on the assisted dying bill for England and Wales, a departure from his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer's stance. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is scheduled for debate and a likely vote in Parliament within the next two weeks.
The bill is identical to one that passed the House of Commons last year but ultimately stalled in the House of Lords due to an extensive number of amendments that consumed available time.
Burnham stated that while he holds personal views on the issue, he believes it is a matter for Parliament to decide. He outlined his decision in a letter to Labour MPs, emphasizing his role as prime minister is to implement Parliament's will, regardless of the outcome. "I also do not want to unduly influence the debate as prime minister and for every colleague to know it is a genuinely free vote," he wrote.
"For these reasons, I have taken the decision that it is most appropriate for me not to vote at Second Reading," Burnham added. He acknowledged the complexity of the debate, noting "there is no single right position" and that it is an "incredibly important and personal debate." He stressed the importance of treating differing viewpoints with "dignity and respect."
Although his abstention marks a shift from Starmer, who voted in favor of the previous bill without actively campaigning for it, Burnham confirmed the government will maintain official neutrality on the matter.
Previously, when serving as the Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham had indicated a general support for assisted dying in principle. However, in June, he suggested that its implementation might be challenging without concurrent improvements in social and palliative care.
The proposed legislation would permit adults over 18, who are expected to die within six months, to receive assistance in ending their own life, provided specific safeguards are met.