Care system needs fixing before assisted dying debate, says PM

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has argued that reforms to palliative and social care must precede any further debate on assisted dying in England and Wales. Speaking to reporters, Burnham said, "I instrumentality the presumption that that statement - and I don't accidental that determination shouldn't beryllium a statement astatine immoderate constituent astir those issues - personally, I deliberation there's thing that needs to hap first." He added, "That is the fixing of the backing of palliative attraction and societal care." Burnham continued, "I deliberation it is precise challenging to present that wider statement successful a discourse of radical not receiving that attraction and having the bid of caput astir that care." His remarks mark the first time Burnham has publicly stated position on the issue since becoming prime minister, as MPs prepare to revisit the topic when Parliament reconvenes in September. While the government is expected to remain officially neutral, Burnham’s comments indicate he would not support a bill currently being drafted by Labour MP Lauren Edwards. This stance contrasts with that of his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, who previously voted in favour of legalising assisted dying and allocated time for parliamentary discussion of the measure. Some Labour MPs have privately cited Starmer’s support as a reason for their earlier backing of the legislation. Burnham recalled his own evolving view, noting that in 2024 he told BBC Manchester he would "probably ballot successful favour of it" if he were still a Member of Parliament. He contrasted this with his 2015 abstention on a similar bill, citing concerns about safeguards and perceived pressure on individuals. Reflecting on the intervening years, he said, "I deliberation we bash let radical to endure and families to endure excessively much." The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which would permit adults over 18 with a prognosis of six months or less to receive assistance in ending their lives under defined safeguards, gained majority support in the Commons in 2025. However, the legislation stalled in the House of Lords after an unprecedented volume of proposed amendments delayed its progress until it lapsed in April of this year. Opponents warned that the bill contained significant flaws that could leave vulnerable individuals feeling coerced into prematurely ending their lives. Labour MP Lauren Edwards intends to reintroduce an identical bill aimed at “finishing the job” started by former MP Kim Leadbeater, whose earlier effort failed to overcome legislative hurdles. In conjunction with his comments on assisted dying, Burnham unveiled plans to overhaul the social care system, proposing the creation of a national care service and a governmental framework for its funding. He emphasized that any future assisted dying legislation would require assurances that hospices are “properly funded and sorted out” before implementation.