Labour Cabinet Ministers' Stances on Assisted Dying
MPs are set to debate legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill patients, with Labour cabinet ministers holding varied views. Keir Starmer supports the change, Angela Rayner is opposed, and Ed Miliband strongly advocates for it. Others like Rachel Reeves and Wes Streeting remain undecided, and the opinions of some ministers, including Yvette Cooper and Lisa Nandy, are unknown.
As MPs prepare to debate the legalization of assisted dying for terminally ill individuals with six months or less to live, various Labour cabinet ministers have expressed their views.
Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has consistently supported the change, stating there are grounds for revising the law.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner remains opposed, having voted against it in 2015.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has yet to decide, expressing concerns about potential pressures on vulnerable people.
Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, voiced strong support, citing the need for control over one's own life and death, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting remains undecided, questioning the adequacy of palliative care.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy opposed the bill in 2015, torn by his faith and fears of legal abuse.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is firmly against it, concerned about societal implications.
Pat McFadden, Cabinet Office Minister, supported it in 2015 but has not recently revealed his stance.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood are against it, citing risks to vulnerable people.
Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary, supported past legislation, emphasizing strong safeguards, echoed by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn.
Other supportive ministers include Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, Lucy Powell of the House of Commons, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, and Science Secretary Peter Kyle, who has passionately advocated for change.
The views of Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, and Environment Secretary Steve Reed remain unknown.