My Death, My Decision has welcomed new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s previously stated support for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, as attention turns to the future of the Bill under the new Government.
Today, in his first speech outside Downing Street, the Prime Minister began setting out his Government’s legislative priorities. There is speculation that this could be followed by an early King’s Speech to set out the Government’s programme. There is also speculation that the Government could seek an early general election. Either scenario could leave insufficient time for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, now reintroduced by Lauren Edwards MP, to complete its remaining parliamentary stages as a Private Member’s Bill.
Before becoming Prime Minister, Mr Burnham said in an interview with BBC Radio Manchester that he would support assisted dying legislation, despite having abstained when Parliament last considered the issue in 2015. He said his change of view was shaped by personal family experience, while emphasising the continued importance of high-quality hospice and palliative care.
The appointment of Yvette Cooper as Health Secretary also means the department responsible for implementing the legislation will be led by an MP who voted for the Bill at Third Reading. She is joined by several other senior Cabinet ministers who backed the legislation, including Chancellor John Healey, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and First Secretary of State Louise Haigh. Alex Norris, who is the new Justice Minister, also voted for the Terminally Ill Adults Bill at Third Reading. The new Government has an opportunity to provide the political support needed to help the Bill complete its passage through Parliament.
Dave Sowry, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:
“We warmly welcome the Prime Minister’s support for assisted dying. His Government now has a real opportunity to help deliver a reform backed by the public and already approved by the elected House of Commons.
The Terminally Ill Adults Bill has been examined in exceptional detail. What matters now is that it is given a fair opportunity to complete its passage through Parliament.
For terminally ill people and their families, this is so much more than political debate. It is about having greater choice, dignity and control at the end of life. We hope the Prime Minister will work with parliamentarians across the House to help make that change a reality.”
The Bill is due to return to the House of Commons for Second Reading on Friday 11 September. My Death, My Decision said it will continue working with parliamentarians from across the House to ensure the legislation has the opportunity to complete its passage.
Notes:
Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request
For further comment or information, media should contact Kerry Hogan at kerry.hogan@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07922363248. (media only)
Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.
My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.
