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Aye or no? How key ministers stand on 'very sensitive issue'

The Guardian

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November 19, 2024

The private members' bill introduced by the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater that would legalise assisted dying for people who are terminally ill with less than six months to live has its first House of Commons vote on 29 November.

- Peter Walker Rowena Mason Aletha Adu

Aye or no? How key ministers stand on 'very sensitive issue'

The private members’ bill introduced by the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater that would legalise assisted dying for people who are terminally ill with less than six months to live has its fi rst House of Commons vote on 29 November .

Because it is a free vote , there is no government position. Cabinet ministers have been asked to stay neutral, though they can confi rm previously stated views if directly asked. This is what we know about the cabinet’s likely stances.

Voting no Wes Streeting

The most vocal cabinet opponent of the idea . While he voted for assisted dying in 2015 , the health secretary is expected to vote against it this time. He has expressed worry about people feeling coerced into dying, and said better palliative care could be a solution . He also suggested assisted dying could use up NHS resources .

Angela Rayner

The deputy prime minister voted against changing the law in 2015 and her view is not believed to have changed. She has not said anything publicly during the current debate.

Shabana Mahmood

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