Brighton & Lewes charity branch respond to PM's comments on Assisted Dying
Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has said that the care system needs fixing before new assisted dying debate
At an event Burnham attended this morning (29 July), he highlighted that the funding for palliative and social care should be “fixed” before assisted dying is considered in England and Wales,
As MP’s prepare to debate the issue again in September when Parliament returns, the PM’s comments suggest that he will not back the bill being proposed by Labour MP Lauren Edwards.
This opinion varies from Burnhams predecessor, Kier Starmer, who voted in favour of the bill to legalise assisted dying in 2025
Dignity in Dying is a charity with an active branch in Brighton and Lewes and have been spreading awareness of the issue to the community across the years.
For them they agree that improving health and social care is essential but argue that it will “not remove the need for choice at the end of life.”
A spokesperson from the charities branch said:
"The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is the opportunity to change that. Parliament began the process of reforming this cruel, outdated law but was scuppered by a handful of unelected Lords intent on blocking change by any means necessary. Their action was an insult to our democracy. As the Bill returns in September, there is the chance to finish what we started and Parliament must grip it with both hands.
“This debate is no longer hypothetical and law change is not a distant prospect. Assisted dying laws are already coming to Jersey and the Isle of Man; to our neighbours in France. Experience the world-over proves that improving access to care as well as choice at the end of life is not only possible but complementary, improving protections for everyone no matter what they choose.
“The cost of Westminster failing to act on assisted dying is real, and will be felt by families across England and Wales. The Government’s commitment to fixing health and social care is crucial, but it can and must come alongside an assisted dying law that that the public is crying out for, and that a majority of MPs have already approved. This is about life and death - but it’s also about democracy."
Dignity in Dying Brighton & Lewes are hosting an event in Lewes on 3rd September, aimed to spread awareness of their views to MP's and showcase why this discussion is close to their hearts.