Health Secretary Wes Streeting has questioned whether the NHS can afford to set up an assisted dying service following last week’s historic vote. MPs approved the bill to legalise the procedure in England and Wales, but Streeting warns that funding remains a major hurdle.
Despite previously supporting assisted dying, Streeting changed his stance last year. He now argues that the NHS lacks the resources to implement the policy fairly. “There isn’t a budget for this,” he told constituents. “Politics is about prioritising, and I fear we’ve made the wrong choice.”
Moreover, the government’s impact assessment estimates the assisted dying service could cost between £10.9m and £13.6m annually. However, savings from reduced end-of-life care may offset expenses. By year 10, around 2,183 people could use the service.
Therefore, Streeting acknowledged the emotional weight of the issue. “I respect those facing terminal illness who want control over their death,” he said. Yet he remains troubled by opposition from medical groups like the Royal College of Physicians and disability advocates.
Furthermore, the bill requires approval from two doctors and a specialist panel. These panels alone could cost up to £3.6m over a decade. Critics argue the system risks becoming bureaucratic and underfunded.
The bill now moves to the House of Lords, where peers could attempt to delay or amend it. Labour’s Charlie Falconer, a key supporter, urged the Lords not to block the will of MPs. “The Commons has spoken,” he said. “The focus should be on improving the bill, not stopping it.”
Campaigners, however, warn of potential “dark arts” tactics to derail progress. If passed, Care Minister Stephen Kinnock will oversee implementation.
Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP behind the bill, received praise for her inclusive approach. Yet Streeting insists the NHS must improve before offering an assisted dying service. “We need better palliative care first,” he argued.
With the NHS already stretched, the financial and ethical debates are far from over. As Streeting put it, “This is a profound change we must get it right.”
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