Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated he will not vote on the assisted dying bill for England and Wales, a departure from his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer's approach. MPs are anticipated to debate and vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in two weeks' time.
Mr Burnham communicated his decision to Labour MPs on Friday, explaining that his role as Prime Minister is to implement Parliament's will, not to unduly influence the debate. He emphasised that it is a genuinely free vote and that all different views should be treated with dignity and respect.
The bill is the same as one presented to Parliament last year, which passed in the House of Commons but did not progress in the Lords due to a large number of amendments. The proposed law would allow adults over 18 with a life expectancy of six months or less to receive assistance to end their lives, subject to safeguards.
Ministers have been informed they can vote according to their conscience but should not participate in the public debate or express views on the bill's departmental implications. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper previously voted for assisted dying.