London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Cabinet ministers including health and justice secretaries have decided to vote against assisted dying legislation, while the PM Keir Starmer is yet to decide.
Education Minister Bridget Phillipson has stated she is likely to oppose the bill to legalize assisted dying, calling her ministerial colleagues to keep their talks behind closed doors.Â
Ministers are permitted to talk on their prior stances regarding Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s private member’s bill but are restricted to staying out of the debate as the bill heads for its first Commons vote this month.
The UK’s health Wes Streeting has come under fire for his strong opinion against the assisted dying dill, warning that it could result in costs that put pressure on other NHS services.
The Labour peer, Harriet Harman condemned Wes Streeting for his remarks on the assisted dying legislation, claiming he had “crossed the line”.
When asked about Streeting by Harman on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Monday, she stated, “This is a decision which shouldn’t be debated by party political considerations or by the government position. It should be an individual conscience matter for each individual MP and, in order to clear the space for individual MPs all to make their own decision, the government has to remain neutral”.
“I do think that he’s crossed the line and has given the impression that the government is not neutral”.
Further, she added, “The danger is that if government ministers, especially the secretary of state for health, speak out then the government’s position of neutrality is compromised, and then individual MPs will be feeling as if they have to support the government or be against the government”.
Bridget Phillipson voted against the assisted dying bill in 2015. Speaking to Sky News she confirmed that she will oppose the proposed assisted dying bill at the month’s end, which would allow terminally ill people with six months to live to choose to end their lives.
When Sky News asked about Leadbeater’s bill she said, “It’s for individual members of parliament to decide what they believe is best. This is a very sensitive issue. It’s difficult for everyone. As you say, back in 2015 I voted against that legislation, and I haven’t changed my mind”.
Phillipson was asked whether her stance was final or if details in the bill might alter her view, she suggested her position was set, stating “There are very strongly held views on both sides, and often we’re very passionate, and it’s quite understandable reasons why people set out their position around changing the law. I continue to think about this deeply, but my position hasn’t changed since 2015”.
She added, “Primarily, the views I held then are the views I hold now, which is around making sure there are safeguards in place to stop there being any suggestion of coercion”.
“Now, those setting forward the legislation would argue the legislation delivers that, and it’s for individual Members of Parliament to consider, on balance, how they arrive at these matters”.
Angela Eagle, Border security minister has also confirmed to vote against the bill.
Several key cabinet members show support to vote in favour of the assisted dying bill including Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Science Secretary Peter Kyle, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens.