Health Minister Stephen Kinnock has announced his intention to vote in favor of the assisted dying bill next week, emphasizing that it represents a “compassionate” approach and will not necessarily overwhelm NHS palliative care services. Kinnock, who oversees palliative care, dismissed the idea that supporting changes to assisted dying laws would undermine hospice care, contrary to concerns raised by Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
Speaking to ITV News, Kinnock stated, “I will be voting for the bill on November 29. I do not see this as a choice between supporting hospices and palliative care. Evidence from countries with assisted dying legislation shows improvements in palliative care often follow.”
Streeting recently voiced concerns about the potential strain on hospice care if assisted dying were legalised and ordered a review of the costs involved in implementing such changes, a move that caused friction within government ranks. His stance led to a rebuke from Keir Starmer, following Simon Case’s directive for cabinet ministers to maintain neutrality on the issue.
While in Brazil for the G20 summit, Starmer signaled his likely support for the bill, referencing his previous backing of legal changes during past parliamentary votes. In a BBC interview, Starmer remarked, “We must remain neutral, allowing a free vote. This is a deeply personal matter, and everyone should decide for themselves. Having served as chief prosecutor for five years, I have encountered every case of this nature and understand the complexity and emotional weight it carries. People will observe my vote, as I have previously stated my stance.”
Kinnock, in his conversation with ITV News, declined to comment on Streeting’s decision to assess the potential financial impact of assisted dying legislation. Instead, he focused on the compassionate rationale behind the bill. “Hundreds of individuals each year resort to ending their lives in unsafe and uncontrolled settings. This approach is neither safe nor compassionate. People deserve the option to pass away with dignity, surrounded by loved ones.”
Support for the bill within the government remains divided. Welfare Secretary Liz Kendall has declared her support for the private member’s bill introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson intends to oppose it.
