A senior government figure has signaled a hands-off approach to the upcoming vote on the assisted dying bill, stating that ministers will avoid attempting to sway MPs’ decisions when the legislation returns to the Commons. The prime minister has reportedly instructed his team to refrain from direct intervention, emphasizing that the debate should be decided by the collective judgment of parliamentarians. While supporters of the bill have praised the move, Downing Street has clarified that the decision stems from a desire to let MPs deliberate freely rather than reflecting any specific stance on the issue. The announcement comes as the bill prepares for its next stage in the legislative process.
Exclusive: PM also warns his ministers against trying to influence vote when bill returns to Commons next monthAndy Burnham has told Labour MPs that he will not cast a vote when the assisted dying bill returns to the Commons next month to avoid influencing the debate.While the move was welcomed by supporters of the measure, No 10 officials said the prime minister had no wish to affect the process in either direction, and was just doing what he thought was best to allow MPs to reach their own collective view. Continue reading...
