Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet split over whether to back legalising assisted dying
SIR Keir Starmer’s Cabinet is split over whether to back legalising assisted dying.
One senior minister told the Sun on Sunday they were worried some people who feel they are a burden on others will rush into the decision.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds have expressed their views against it.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy voted against an assisted dying bill in 2015 and has previously said he is “torn” because of his Christian faith.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have indicated they are undecided.
But Science Secretary Peter Kyle hinted his support, telling this newspaper: “I think it’s a conversation that we need to have about how we give people more control over the end of their life.
“We do have assisted dying already – and that is wealthy people who are able to go to Switzerland if they choose and use the Dignitas service.
“So we can’t kid ourselves that assisted dying isn’t already available. It’s just only available for people who have the means.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has confirmed he would support the move saying the current situation is “rather cruel”.
A bill to legalise the early ending of life will be introduced to Parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater on October 16.
It will pave the way for a major Commons debate and free vote – when MPs are not put under pressure to vote a certain way by their party leaders.
Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier says: “My concern is that if the assisted dying bill is passed many vulnerable people will be encouraged to accept it as their best option.”