Labour considered supporting a bill on assisted dying before the election

In 2023, a policy briefing prepared for Sir Keir Starmer's office suggested that legalising assisted dying for terminally ill patients would be widely supported by the public. The document, produced while Labour was in opposition, also warned that failing to act could make it politically difficult for the party to appear decisive on sensitive issues.

Critics of assisted dying have questioned whether the government can remain neutral on the Terminally Ill Adults Bill, introduced by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater, which is currently under parliamentary consideration. Senior Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier expressed concern that party leaders may have attempted to bypass formal policy processes, though both Leadbeater and Labour officials denied any involvement by the leadership in drafting the bill.

The leaked briefing, reported by the Guardian and seen by the BBC, was shared with shadow cabinet members. It anticipated that the 2024 general election would feature strong campaigns supporting assisted dying and highlighted the measure's popularity, particularly in constituencies Labour aims to regain. The note stressed the need for the party to decide on its approach, cautioning that inaction could portray Labour as unwilling to tackle difficult issues.

The document outlined several strategies, including public debates and consultations. The option deemed most favorable was a private members bill, introduced by a backbench MP. The briefing suggested that this route could be given parliamentary time and would likely encourage cross-party collaboration, while a government-led bill might face political attacks.

Kim Leadbeater, the bill's sponsor, denied any influence from Downing Street, stating that neither she nor her representatives consulted the party leadership prior to selecting assisted dying as the focus of her legislation. Labour also reiterated that MPs have been free to vote according to their conscience, and the government has maintained a neutral stance.

Opponents, including the Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, have raised questions about the partys impartiality. It is known that Sir Keir personally supports the bill and had committed to campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen that Labour would facilitate a debate and vote if it won the general election.

The bill is scheduled for further discussion in the House of Lords, where peers have been granted additional time to examine a record number of amendments. Although MPs passed the bill earlier this year, it still requires approval from the upper chamber. Without passage before the end of the current parliamentary session, the legislation will not become law. Observers note that while the government could adopt the bill to expedite its progress, internal divisions make this unlikely.

Author’s Commentary: Labour and the Assisted Dying Debate

The leaked 2023 policy briefing for Sir Keir Starmer’s office highlights Labour’s strategic awareness of assisted dying as a public issue. The document indicates that legalising assisted dying for terminally ill patients enjoys broad public support and could shape voter sentiment ahead of the 2024 general election.

Labour faces internal scrutiny over the Terminally Ill Adults Bill, sponsored by Kim Leadbeater. Concerns from senior MPs, including Dame Meg Hillier, suggest tension between party leadership and backbench initiatives, though official statements deny leadership involvement. The situation underscores the sensitivity of navigating moral and electoral considerations simultaneously.

The briefing recommended a private member’s bill as the most viable path, aiming to foster cross-party cooperation while avoiding political attacks on a government-led proposal. With the bill now under consideration in the House of Lords and facing extensive amendments, its passage remains uncertain. The outcome will test Labour’s ability to balance public opinion, internal cohesion, and legislative strategy.

Sources:

• Labour weighed backing assisted dying bill pre-election