Andy Burnham to abstain from assisted dying bill vote
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced his intention to abstain from the upcoming Commons vote on the assisted dying Bill to avoid “unduly influencing the debate,” as conveyed in a letter to the Parliamentary Labour Party, reports BritPanorama.
In his correspondence, Mr Burnham, a Catholic, emphasized that he wants to maintain the integrity of the parliamentary process and has concluded that it is “most appropriate” for him not to cast a ballot next month.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which failed to advance in the previous parliamentary session, is scheduled for consideration again in the House of Commons on 11 September.
This proposed legislation seeks to permit adults in England and Wales with a prognosis of fewer than six months to live to apply for assisted death, contingent upon endorsements from two medical professionals and a review panel.
