Labour row over assisted dying heats up as cabinet minister accused of ‘imposing’ religion on others
A minister was charged Tuesday with forcing her religious views on others, escalating a government spat over assisted suicide.
Before Friday’s vote on the contentious issue that has divided the Cabinet, one of her predecessors attacked Muslim Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Ms. Mahmood warned her Birmingham Ladywood residents in a letter that the Bill will lead to death on demand.
However, Labour grandee Lord Falconer told Sky News: I appreciate her religious convictions and believe they are a source of motivation.
They shouldn’t be forced on other people.
Whitehall leaders cautioned Cabinet ministers to avoid discussing their opinions on the matter, which led to the highly visible Labour rift.
READ MORE ON ASSISTED DYING
MPs are now free to support or reject a Private Members Bill that Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater has tabled, thanks to PM Sir Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.
About ten to five members of the Cabinet support change.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Health Secretary Wes Streeting are against it.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle are in favor.
In the meanwhile, two-thirds of voters favor the idea, according to a survey conducted by the research tank More In Common.
Leadbeater previously voiced concerns when she suggested that lawmakers should withdraw from the discussion.
Keir Starmer also chastised his Health Secretary for interfering in the discussion of assisted suicide.
My parents held hands as they passed away by assisted dying – we supported ‘beautiful’ decision, it wasn’t a surprise
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