Phillipson set to Vote against bill on assisted dying as PM warns cabinet to remain neutral

Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, indicated yesterday she was likely to Vote against the bill to legalise assisted dying, as Keir Starmer issued a veiled warning to cabinet ministers such as Wes Streeting to remain neutral on the issue.

- Jessica Elgot Rio de Janeiro Peter Walker

Starmer, speaking to reporters en route to the G20 summit in Brazil, confirmed that he would vote on the assisted dying bill later this month, but indicated he would not reveal his position in advance.

Phillipson said her views on the issue had not changed since she voted against assisted dying when it was last debated, and urged ministerial colleagues to keep their discussions about the policy "behind the scenes".

Under a policy of government neutrality towards the private member's bill from the Labour MP Kirn Leadbeater, which will get its first Commons vote this month, ministers are permitted to talk about a previously known stance if asked but are otherwise asked to stay out ofthe debate.

A number of cabinet ministers, including Streeting, the health secretary, are said to have been warned o Ver the weekend about their interventions. Streeting has faced criticism for being more vocally opposed to the bill, and for warning that it could create costs that may restrict other NHS services.

Other cabinet ministers have come out in favour, including the work and pensions secretary, Liz Kendall, and the transport secretary, Louise Haigh.