Andy Burnham to abstain from assisted dying vote as PM vows not to 'unduly influence' MPs

His decision comes after he warned that Britain's palliative and social care system should be fixed before consideration is given to legalising assisted dying.

Mr Burnham has previously indicated that his position has shifted over the years towards supporting the principle of assisted dying.

But in a letter to the Parliamentary Labour Party, he said remaining on the sidelines was the "most appropriate" course of action as Prime Minister.

He wrote: "I, of course, have my own personal views on the issue.

"However, I am also clear that this is a matter for Parliament to decide and my role, as the Prime Minister, will be to lead a Government that implements the will of Parliament in this area – whether that is to change the law or not.

"I also do not want to unduly influence the debate as Prime Minister and for every colleague to know it is a genuinely free vote.

"For these reasons, I have taken the decision that it is most appropriate for me not to vote at second reading."

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would allow adults in England and Wales with fewer than six months to live to apply for an assisted death.

Applications would require approval from two doctors and an expert panel.

The legislation is being brought forward by Labour MP Lauren Edwards after its previous version ran out of parliamentary time.

It was originally introduced by Kim Leadbeater in late 2024 and passed two Commons votes before stalling in the House of Lords.

Mr Burnham was not an MP when the legislation previously came before the Commons and therefore did not have a vote.

Speaking last month, he said "something that needs to happen first" was "the fixing of the funding of palliative care and social care".

The Prime Minister has also warned ministers they "should avoid being part of the public debate" or expressing views about the implications for their departments.

The Prime Minister has also warned ministers they 'should avoid being part of the public debate'

PA

The Government will remain officially neutral, with MPs allowed to vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines.

Mr Burnham said there was "no single right position" on the issue and expressed his "deep respect for MPs on all sides".

Ms Edwards welcomed the Prime Minister's confirmation that the Government's neutral position remained unchanged.

She said: "Andy Burnham is absolutely right to say that people’s personal experience around terminal illness lie at the heart of the debate and I welcome his view that everyone’s views should be treated with dignity and respect."