Fix the NHS before legalising assisted dying, say voters

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 1, 2026

A recent survey found that 60 percent of voters want improvements to the NHS, particularly in palliative and end-of-life care, before legalising assisted dying in England and Wales. This public concern complicates plans to reintroduce assisted dying legislation amid debates over safeguards and the adequacy of current health and social care services.

A recent public survey reveals that a majority of voters believe the National Health Service (NHS) should be improved before any move to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. Approximately 60 percent of respondents expressed that politicians should prioritise addressing issues within the NHS, including enhancing palliative, social, and end-of-life care, before considering legalisation of assisted suicide.

The debate over assisted dying legislation has resurfaced following the earlier introduction of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, initially brought forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. The bill, which would have allowed terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to seek medical assistance to end their lives, was passed by Members of Parliament last year but stalled in the House of Lords. Peers proposed over 1,000 amendments, citing concerns about the sufficiency of safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals.

Labour MP Lauren Edwards intends to reintroduce a similar Private Member’s Bill, reigniting discussions within the party and Parliament. The issue has already caused divisions among Labour MPs, with 224 having supported the previous version. Some members, such as Ashley Dalton, have urged caution, arguing that Labour should listen to experts and avoid rushing a bill perceived as divisive and lacking adequate safety measures.

In recent statements, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, emphasised the need to resolve funding and quality issues in palliative and social care before progressing with assisted dying legislation. Conversely, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated he will abstain in an upcoming Commons vote on the new bill, aiming to avoid unduly influencing the parliamentary debate.

The survey also highlighted strong public support for safeguards not included in the current bill. Notably, 61 percent of respondents favoured requiring relatives to be informed when someone requests assisted dying. Disability rights advocates have voiced concerns about legalisation pressures, with George Fielding, co-founder of Insightful Disability, warning that people with disabilities might feel compelled to choose assisted death due to inadequate support systems.

The ongoing debate underscores the complex balance between expanding personal choice at the end of life and ensuring robust protections within an already strained health and social care framework.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.