What's happened
The UK Labour Party faces internal divisions ahead of a historic vote on assisted dying legislation scheduled for November 29. Key ministers publicly express opposing views, complicating the government's neutral stance on the issue. The debate centers on moral implications and potential impacts on NHS resources.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the BBC, the Labour Party is deeply divided over the assisted dying bill, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Deputy PM Angela Rayner opposing it, while Liz Kendall supports it. The Guardian highlights Harriet Harman's call for the cancellation of cost assessments ordered by Streeting, arguing that the debate should focus on moral principles rather than financial implications. The Telegraph notes Starmer's insistence on neutrality, contrasting with Streeting's public opposition, which some view as a breach of cabinet protocol. The Mirror reports on the backlash against Streeting's comments regarding NHS funding, indicating a growing frustration among party members. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complexity of the issue and the potential ramifications for the Labour Party's unity.
How we got here
The assisted dying bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, aims to allow terminally ill adults to seek assistance in ending their lives. The proposal has reignited debates within the Labour Party, with significant divisions among cabinet members regarding its implications and ethical considerations.
Common question
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What are the key issues in the Labour Party's assisted dying bill debate?
The upcoming vote on the assisted dying legislation has sparked significant debate within the UK Labour Party, revealing deep divisions among its members. As the party grapples with moral, ethical, and practical implications, many are left wondering about the key points of contention and the potential impact on the NHS and public opinion.
More on these topics
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Wesley Paul William Streeting is a British politician serving as the Member of Parliament for Ilford North since 2015, and since 2020 as Shadow Minister for Schools.
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Kim Michele Leadbeater MBE is a British Labour Party politician who has served as Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen since 2021.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Elizabeth Louise Kendall is a British Labour Party politician who has been Member of Parliament for Leicester West since 2010.
Kendall was educated at Queens' College, Cambridge where she read history.
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Shabana Mahmood is a British Labour Party politician and barrister serving as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Ladywood since 2010. She has served in the Shadow Cabinet of Keir Starmer as the Labour Party National Campaign Coordinator since 2021.
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Bridget Maeve Phillipson is a British Labour Party politician who was elected at the 2010 general election as the Member of Parliament for Houghton and Sunderland South.
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Simon Case CVO is a British civil servant who is serving as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service since 9 September 2020, succeeding Sir Mark Sedwill.
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Harriet Ruth Harman QC MP is a British politician and solicitor who has served as Member of Parliament for Camberwell and Peckham, formerly Peckham, since 1982. A member of the Labour Party, she has served in various Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet positions.
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Edward Samuel Miliband is a British politician serving as Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy since 2020, and has served as Member of Parliament for Doncaster North since 2005.
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Angela Rayner is a British politician serving as Shadow First Secretary of State since 2020, and has been Member of Parliament for Ashton-under-Lyne since 2015.
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Lisa Eva Nandy is a British Labour politician who has served as Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs since 2020. She has been Member of Parliament for Wigan since 2010.