The Labour Party's official position of neutrality on assisted dying has been called into question following the emergence of a leaked internal policy document from 2023. The report suggests the party, while in opposition, had considered how to introduce a change in the law to legalise assisted dying.
Leaked Document Reveals Pre-Election Planning
The leaked policy note, dated November 2023 and reported by The Guardian, indicated that legalising assisted dying could be a popular policy to help win back older voters. It reportedly highlighted that there would be "strong, impactful campaigns in favour of assisted dying during the general election campaign" and that Labour needed to have a position on the issue.
This revelation has sparked anger within the party. Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier, a staunch opponent of the proposed legislation, described the leak as "hugely disappointing." She accused the party of attempting to circumvent its own manifesto and policy processes to support a controversial bill that many Labour MPs and activists do not endorse.
Bill's Progress Amidst Parliamentary Scrutiny
The draft legislation, known as the Terminally Ill Adults Bill, was reintroduced to the House of Lords on Friday 5 December 2025. Further debate sessions are confirmed for next year, but the bill faces a record number of amendments. Supporters fear it may run out of parliamentary time to become law.
The Government has consistently maintained it is neutral on the bill. Earlier this year, MPs in the Commons voted on it according to their conscience in a free vote, rather than along strict party lines. Assisted dying was not included in Labour's 2024 general election manifesto.
Internal Rifts and Official Responses
Dame Meg Hillier criticised the approach suggested by the leaked document, stating: "This is not how our party should make policy on such a profound issue of life and death, with such far-reaching implications for the NHS and our wider society."
In contrast, a spokesman for Kim Leadbeater – the Labour MP who introduced the private member's bill over a year ago – emphasised that neither she nor anyone on her behalf had discussed the bill with Number 10 or party leaders beforehand. The spokesman stated the Government had remained "scrupulously neutral" and argued the document merely proved the public's desire for reform of the current law.
A Labour spokesperson responded to the leak by saying: "It’s completely normal for a wide range of policy proposals to be assessed by political parties in opposition." They reiterated that MPs have had a free vote on the bill and that the Government has not taken a position, leaving the decision to Parliament.
