Burnham has said he will not vote when MPs consider whether to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales in two weeks’ time.
The forthcoming vote concerns a proposed change to the law covering England and Wales. The issue is expected to draw strong views across Parliament and the wider public, with Burnham urging that all positions in the debate should be treated with respect.
His stance contrasts with Starmer, who is set to take part in the vote. The source material does not give further details on Burnham’s reasons for not voting, nor does it set out how Starmer intends to vote.
Assisted dying remains a highly sensitive policy issue because it concerns whether the law should allow help for some people to end their lives in defined circumstances. The supplied material states only that MPs are due to vote on legalising it in England and Wales.
The latest known position is that the vote is due in two weeks, with Burnham not participating and calling for respectful debate as MPs prepare to consider the proposal.
