PM Andy Burnham Links Assisted Dying to Social Care Funding Reform

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that before assisted dying is considered in England and Wales, the funding of palliative and social care should be "fixed". This is the first time Burnham has publicly outlined his position on the issue since becoming prime minister, as MPs prepare to debate it again in September. The government is expected to remain officially neutral, but Burnham's comments suggest he personally will not support a bill proposed by Labour MP Lauren Edwards.

Burnham's stance contrasts with that of his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, who voted in favor of legalizing assisted dying and allocated parliamentary time for its debate. Starmer's support was privately cited by some Labour MPs as a reason for their backing of the bill previously.

Speaking to reporters, Burnham emphasized: "I think it is very challenging to introduce that wider debate in a context of people not receiving that care and having the peace of mind about that care."

In 2025, MPs voted in favor of a bill by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater to legalize assisted dying, but it failed to pass the House of Lords due to numerous amendments delaying its progress until it lapsed in April. Opponents argued the bill had flaws risking the coercion of vulnerable individuals into early death. The proposed law would have allowed adults over 18, expected to die within six months, to receive help ending their life under certain safeguards.

Labour MP Lauren Edwards plans to introduce an identical bill, responding to Burnham by stating that improving social care and legalizing assisted dying are not mutually exclusive and must proceed together. She noted the bill allows a four-year implementation period, providing until 2031 to address the current care system's issues.

Jess Asato, a Labour MP opposing the bill, argued that introducing such a law into a failing care system would neglect the safety and dignity of the vulnerable, emphasizing the need for a reliable palliative care system and affordable social care.

Burnham's views were sought after he announced social care system reforms aiming to create a national care service and achieve political consensus on its funding. Previously, in 2024, Burnham indicated he would "probably vote in favor" of assisted dying if in Parliament, citing family experiences changing his view, but emphasized the need for properly funded hospices before implementation. As an MP, he abstained from a 2015 vote due to concerns over safeguards.