Gordon Brown Opposes Assisted Dying Bill, Advocates Improved End-of-Life Care

The former UK prime minister urges a focus on comprehensive palliative care over assisted dying legislation, citing ethical concerns and NHS challenges.

Gordon Brown argues against the proposed assisted dying bill, emphasizing the need for better end-of-life care informed by his personal experience with his late daughter.
He warns that assisted dying laws could subtly shift societal attitudes toward vulnerable groups, including the elderly and disabled, and increase pressure on them.
Brown calls for a government-backed, fully funded 10-year strategy to improve palliative care, noting significant gaps and inequities in current hospice services across the UK.
Polling shows 70% of the public supports prioritizing end-of-life care improvements over legalizing assisted dying, with widespread skepticism about the government’s ability to fund such care adequately.
The debate comes ahead of a parliamentary vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, with MPs divided and public opinion showing strong support for assisted dying in principle.